Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Brown the Turkey
- Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over high heat. Add the olive oil and ground turkey. Spread the turkey evenly across the bottom of the pot. Let it brown undisturbed for a few minutes to develop a rich, savory crust (fond). Once browned on the bottom, begin stirring and breaking up the turkey with a wooden spoon until it’s fully cooked and the juices have evaporated.
Sauté Aromatics
- Stir in the sweet paprika and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened and glossy, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until aromatic, being careful not to burn it.
Simmer the Base
- Pour in the chicken broth, pureed tomatoes, chopped bell peppers, sliced Kalamata olives, rinsed kidney beans, and salt. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the lid and continue to simmer for another 15 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken naturally.
Add Final Touches
- Stir in the sweet corn and chopped fresh parsley. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through.
Thicken (If Needed) & Season
- For a thicker sauce, prepare a corn starch slurry by whisking together the corn starch and cold water in a small cup until smooth. Gradually stir half of this slurry into the simmering chili. Bring the chili back to a gentle boil and stir until it thickens. If a thicker consistency is desired, add the remaining slurry and repeat the process. Taste the chili midway through cooking and adjust salt and seasonings as needed.
Serve
- Ladle the chili into bowls. Top generously with a dollop of Greek yogurt, chopped green onions or chives, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
Notes
Ground Turkey: Opt for 93% lean ground turkey for a good balance of flavor and health. If you prefer a slightly richer chili, 85% lean can also be used. Looking for more ways to incorporate lean protein? Check out this juicy baked chicken breast recipe.
Onion & Garlic: For maximum flavor, ensure your onion is finely chopped and sautéed until glossy and translucent (about 3-4 minutes) after the turkey has browned. Mince the garlic finely and add it in the last minute of sautéing to prevent burning.
Broth: Low-sodium chicken broth is recommended, but vegetable broth or even water with a bouillon cube works. Adjust salt accordingly.
Olives: Kalamata olives provide a distinct briny flavor. If unavailable, other brine-cured olives can be substituted, but the flavor profile will change.
Beans: While kidney beans are classic, feel free to swap them with black beans or pinto beans for a different texture and flavor. A refreshing Mediterranean bean salad is another great way to enjoy legumes.
Nutrition information is estimated based on common ingredients and serving sizes and may vary.