Sweet Potato Turkey Chili
This hearty chili combines lean ground turkey and sweet potatoes simmered in a flavorful tomato-based sauce, seasoned with warming spices. The dish has a thick, comforting texture with tender sweet potatoes and a rich, aromatic broth, perfect for cozy fall nights.
Equipment
- Heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Knife and cutting board
- can opener
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 2 medium sweet potatoes peeled and diced
- 1 can diced tomatoes 14.5 oz, fire-roasted if possible
- 1 can kidney or black beans 15 oz, drained and rinsed
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 0.5 teaspoon cumin
- to taste salt and pepper
Instructions
- Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat until shimmering and fragrant.
- Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent and slightly golden around the edges, about 5 minutes. The onions should smell sweet and look soft.
- Stir in the minced garlic and chili powder, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant and slightly darkened, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Add the ground turkey, breaking it apart with your spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 8 minutes, until it develops a nice, even color.
- Stir in the diced sweet potatoes, ensuring they are coated with the spices and mixed well with the meat. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Add the canned diced tomatoes with their juices and the drained beans. Stir everything together, scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sweet potatoes are tender and the flavors have melded.
- Uncover and taste the chili, adjusting the seasoning with salt, pepper, or extra chili powder if desired. Let it simmer uncovered for another 5 minutes if you want it thicker.
- Turn off the heat and let the chili rest for a few minutes to settle and deepen in flavor.
- Spoon the hearty chili into bowls, and enjoy it with your favorite toppings like fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, or a dollop of sour cream for extra creaminess.
Notes
For a vegetarian version, swap the ground turkey for lentils or extra beans. Feel free to adjust the spice levels to your preference, adding more chili powder or cayenne for heat.