Chili was a staple dish when we were growing up and it was always made with ground beef (con carne). But when mad cow disease appeared in the 80's, my parents vowed never to eat beef again. Ground chicken or turkey, which is popular here in the States, was not available in the U.K. as far as I can remember, but ground lamb from New Zealand was in great supply. So now they make their chili with ground lamb. I'm sorry to say that it never tasted the same after that.
I now use ground turkey in my Chili, it makes this dish low in fat and super healthy, especially with the addition of canned beans which provides lots of fiber. I usually serve it with a side of brown rice, for a double shot of fiber, or cornbread. Of course, you may substitute the ground turkey with beef - just remember to cook the beef first and drain the excess fat away. Please don't pour the fat down the drain in the sink (like I saw a chef doing the other day), put it in a paper cup or bottle and throw it in the trash.
Chili Con Carne
Ingredients:
1 pound ground turkey
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, cut into dice
1 green bell pepper, cut into dice
2 cloves garlic, minced or grated
1 - 2 teaspoons chili powder or to taste
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 tablespoon tomato paste
2 cups low sodium chicken broth or water
1 (15 ounce) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15 ounce) black beans, drained and rinsed
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Directions:
- In a large heavy pot, heat oil over medium heat and add the onion, bell pepper and garlic.
- Cook for 2 - 3 minutes, then add the ground turkey. Stir and break up the meat with a wooden spoon until brown and crumbly, about 5 – 10 minutes.
- Stir in the chili powder (amount depending on taste), cumin, oregano and salt and cook for one more minute.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato puree, broth and beans. Bring to the boil, and then reduce heat to a simmer uncovered until chili thickens, stirring occasionally, about 30 minutes.
- Stir in the cilantro, adjust seasoning and serve.
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