[ recipe ] :: slow cooker white turkey chili

This recipe is so stinkin' easy - brown some turkey, drain the fat, dump the ingredients in a pot and let it simmer. It is a bit soupy when you first make it, so is delicious over rice and is a nice alternative to a classic chili. Since it lacks tomatoes (hence the "white chili") make sure you make up with veggies somewhere else in your meal!

The recipe has "slow cooker" in the title because you can finish cooking it in the slow cooker, but you can also let it simmer for 20-30 minutes until the ingredients marry well. I make a pot of this chili on a Friday night and we can eat it all throughout the weekend, making this recipe very cost effective.

Ingredients

2 lbs ground turkey or chicken
1 large onion, diced (about 1 cup - frozen onion works fine)
3 cloves garlic, minced
32 oz chicken broth
30 oz can of white beans, such as canneloni or great northern
1 packet of chili seasoning
1 tbsp cumin*
1 tbsp chili powder*
1 tbsp oregano

*adjust the amount of cumin and chili powder to taste. Some pre-packaged chili seasonings are quite strong. Alternatively, use 2 tbsp of my Taco Seasoning blend and add 2 tbsp each of cumin and chili powder.


Directions

Brown the ground turkey or chicken until it is cooked through. Drain the meat on a stack of paper towels to remove excess fat. Place the meat in the slow cooker (or in a large pot) and add the rest of the ingredients, stirring well to mix. Cook on HIGH for 3 hours or LOW for 6 hours, or until the onions are translucent and the beans are soft. Alternatively, this can be cooked on the stovetop. Let the ingredients simmer on medium-low for 20-30 minutes, or until the onions are cooked through.

Makes about 8-10 1-cup servings. Serve over rice and top with sour cream, hot sauce, or cilantro. For extra color add a handful or two of chopped spinach or other greens.

- Maggie White