Just another turkey chili…or is it?

TURKEY QUINOA CHILI

It’s not the same old, same old!  The addition of nutty, nutrient-rich quinoa, not only stretches the meat, in a budget-conscience time but spikes the protein grams, as well.   Add that to the zucchini, sweet orange bell pepper, and two kinds of beans ……it equals loads of flavor!

Filling and hearty, it’s very good for you and my family loved it.  Even better as leftovers.  It freezes great – so make lots for these coming cold winter evenings.  A pan of crusty cornbread and your dinner’s done.

If you haven’t tried Quinoa, don’t be afraid of it. I use it just about anywhere I used to use rice. It cooks practically the same way as rice and takes on the flavors of what you put with it. (1 part dry quinoa to 2 parts water and a little salt). I’ve used it sweet or savory, in salads, casseroles, soups, and now chili.

It does contain carbs, but it also has quite a bit of protein for a plant. It’s a complex carb and is good for us in moderation.

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1/3 cup quinoa
2/3 cup water
2 tablespoon olive oil
1 large onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Splenda
1 orange bell pepper, chopped
1 zucchini, chopped
1 pound ground turkey OR make it vegetarian and add 1 pkg Morningstar Crumbles
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon cumin
2 tablespoons chili powder, or Penzey’s 9000 chili mix (I prefer the mix…it’s more rounded flavor!)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder
1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, minced
One 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes
On 15 ounce can chicken broth
One 15 ounce cans black beans, drained and rinsed
One 15 ouce can red beans, drained and rinsed

In a small saucepan bring 2/3 cup water to boil; add quinoa, reduce heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until quinoa is tender and all water is absorbed. (The little ‘tail’ should be showing on each grain.) Set aside.

In a large stockpot heat the olive oil over medium heat. Saute onion and garlic with Splenda until soft. Stir in zucchini and pepper and cook for 5 minutes. Add ground turkey and break up into chunks. Cook until no longer pink, but not cooked completely through.

Stir in cinnamon, chili powder, cumin, chili powder/mix, oregano, cocoa powder, chipotle pepper, tomatoes, chicken broth, and beans; simmer for 20 minutes.

Add the quinoa and simmer for an additional 5 minutes. Makes 10 servings, about 1 cup each.

Per Serving: Calories 206; Protein 19 g; Fat 7 g; Carbs 13 g; Sugar 1 g; Sodium 281 mg