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Maple Turkey Chili

Maple Turkey Chili
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Maple Turkey Chili is a comforting and hearty fall recipe that combines lean ground turkey with a unique blend of savory spices and the subtle sweetness of pure maple syrup. This chili delivers a warm, balanced flavor ideal for chilly evenings, offering a nutritious and flavorful meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for gatherings or weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins and Beans

  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney or black beans, drained and rinsed

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced

Liquids and Sweeteners

  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup chicken broth (gluten-free if needed)
  • 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Spices and Seasonings

  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Dice the onion and bell pepper, mince the garlic, drain and rinse the beans, and measure out the chili powder, cumin, maple syrup, and other ingredients to have everything ready.
  2. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onions and bell peppers, cooking until softened, about 4-5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Brown the Turkey: Add the ground turkey to the pot. Cook while breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. This creates a savory base for the chili.
  4. Add Spices and Liquids: Sprinkle the chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper over the browned turkey, stirring well to coat the meat evenly. Pour in the diced tomatoes and chicken broth and stir to combine all ingredients.
  5. Simmer and Sweeten: Bring the chili to a gentle simmer, then cover and cook for 20 minutes to let flavors meld. Towards the end of cooking, stir in the maple syrup and beans, allowing the chili to thicken slightly and the sweetness to balance the spices.
  6. Final Taste and Adjust: Taste the chili and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or spices as desired. Remove from heat and let the chili rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to fully develop.

Notes

  • Use fresh chili powder and cumin for the best flavor intensity.
  • Don’t skip the maple syrup; it’s the signature ingredient that balances heat and depth beautifully.
  • Fully browning the turkey enhances texture and adds complexity to the taste.
  • Allowing the chili to rest after cooking helps flavors meld perfectly.
  • Adjust the chili’s consistency by adding more broth for a soupier chili or simmering longer for a thicker texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: maple turkey chili, fall recipe, healthy chili, lean protein chili, cozy dinners, maple syrup chili, autumn meals

Find it online: https://emillycooks.com/maple-turkey-chili/