Turkey and Black Turtle Bean Chili
Our hearty chili combines ground turkey with black turtle beans, a mildly flavored variety that pairs exceptionally well with the bold seasonings used here. Garnish each serving with cheddar cheese, sour cream and green onions to tame the heat.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups dried black turtle beans, rinsed and soaked overnight
- Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 lb. ground turkey
- 2 yellow onions, diced
- 3 jalapeños, seeded and diced
- 1 large red bell pepper, seeded and diced
- 2 tsp. minced garlic
- 1 Tbs. tomato paste
- 1/4 cup chili seasoning
- 1/4 tsp. crushed chipotle chili
- 2 cans (each 14 1/2 oz.) diced tomatoes with juices
- Grated cheddar cheese, sour cream and sliced green onions for serving
Directions:
Drain the beans and rinse with cold water. Place in a large saucepan and add water to cover by 3 inches. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer, uncovered, until the beans are tender, about 1 hour. Season with salt and pepper. Drain the beans, reserving the cooking liquid. Set aside.
In a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, warm 2 Tbs. of the olive oil. Add the ground turkey and cook, stirring occasionally and breaking up any large chunks, until browned, 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer to a bowl.
Reduce the heat to medium and warm the remaining 2 Tbs. olive oil. Add the onions, jalapeños and bell pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender, 8 to 10 minutes. Add the garlic, tomato paste, chili seasoning and crushed chipotle chili and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the tomatoes with their juices, the ground turkey, black beans and 1 1/2 cups of the reserved cooking liquid. Season with salt and pepper and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 1 hour.
Ladle the chili into warmed bowls. Serve with cheese, sour cream and green onions for garnishing. Serves 6.
Adapted from a recipe by Zürsun.