My son smoked the Thanksgiving turkey this year and it was delicious. With only two of us to eat, we had a lot of leftovers, which I froze.
Now it’s time to make some winter chili, and I broke out the turkey and broth from my freezer to make this recipe tasty.
To begin, I got out my LeCrueset Dutch Oven, which I love.
I sautéed lots of green pepper (from my garden) and onions in oil for a few minutes. Then I added chopped garlic and cooked a bit longer. Then I added the turkey broth (thawed), can of organic diced tomatoes, and spices. I chopped the leftover turkey into bite size pieces and threw it in. The spices I used were parsley and basil from my garden. Dried spices would work too. I had bought some jalapeño peppers at the local farm stand so I chopped a small amount of one jalapeño to add some heat.
To begin with uncooked meat, brown it first then remove from the pan. Add the pepper and onion with oil and sauté. Add the liquid broth and scrape the bottom of the pan. Add meat, spices and tomatoes.
It’s really your choice about how hot and spicy you want your chili to be. I like a little heat, but not overwhelming. If you don’t have flavored broth, use broth granules in water. About a cup or 2 is needed depending on the amount of meat, tomatoes and veggies you use. I basically wing it!
Once those ingredients simmer for about an hour, I add the black beans (or kidney beans can be used) with the liquid (I use organic beans only). Then I simmer for at least another half hour. Don’t add the beans too soon or they will get mushy.
Because our turkey was smoked, this chili has a slight smoky flavor. Between the jalapeño pepper and spices and melding of the flavors while it slow-cooks, it turned out super yummy!
When I make chili or soup I fly by the seat of my pants and add whatever I have on hand or seems to work.
I had made a batch of cornbread (recipe on the cornmeal box) and froze it. That way I had ready-made cornbread to add to my chili.
Use your freezer. It’s your best friend. BTW I froze a serving of this chili to enjoy later.
Thank you for sharing!
Hydrangeas Blue 