Friday, April 30, 2010

Turkey Chili

I love the turkey chili served at the Deer Valley ski resort in Utah.  One could say I'm evangelical about this chili.  I want to spread the word because I think everyone should try it.  It's that good.

Since I only get to Deer Valley maybe once a year for skiing, I had to find a recipe so I could make it at home.  I found one online at the reluctant gourmet that comes pretty close.  In fact, I think it could be slightly better.


This recipe uses lots of fresh vegetables and roasted turkey breast so I don't feel like it's a huge splurge.  I'm not a nutritionist, but I'm thinking it's practically guilt-free.


The actual cooking time is minimal--about 1/2 hour--but there is a lot of prep work involved in chopping the veggies and roasting the turkey breast ahead of time.  It's all worth it, though.


Deer Valley Turkey Chili (adapted from reluctantgourmet.com)

1 can black beans*, drained
1/2 c. unsalted butter
3 medium Anaheim chilies, seeded and chopped (don't forget to wear gloves when handling)
1 medium red onion, chopped
3 to 4 ribs of celery, chopped
2 medium, red or yellow bell peppers, seeded and chopped
3 medium leeks, white part only, chopped (rinse well to remove all traces of dirt)
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tsp. dried oregano, crumbled
1/2 cup corn flour
1 tsp of cayenne pepper
2-1/2 tblsp. ground cumin
2 tblsp. ground coriander
salt and pepper, to taste
1/8 cup sugar
4-1/2 cups chicken stock
2-1/4 cups fresh or frozen corn
4 cups of diced cooked turkey or chicken (I prefer Empire turkey breast from Trader Joe's in the fresh meat section)
toppings:  chopped red onions, grated cheddar cheese, sour cream (or try Fage yogurt), cilantro (if you roll that way, I don't)

Melt butter in a large pot.  Add chopped chilies, red onion, celery, bell peppers, leeks, and oregano to the pot.  Cook on medium heat until soft -- about 10 minutes.  Reduce heat to low.

Add flour and spices.  Cook for 5 minutes.

Add sugar and 4 cups of chicken stock.  Bring to simmer.

Puree 1-1/4 cup of the corn with remaining 1/2 cup of chicken stock.  Add to mixture.

Add chopped turkey, black beans and remaining corn.  Season to taste with salt and pepper.  Simmer for 25 minutes.

Serve with toppings.

*Dried black beans can be used in place of canned.  Soak 2 cups of dried black beans in water overnight.  The following day, drain beans and place in a pot with 10 cups of water and 1 tsp. of black pepper.  Bring to a boil, then simmer for 1-1/2 hours.  Drain.

Enjoy!

4 comments:

IrishgirlieKnits said...

That looks delicious!

x_masangel said...

Mmmmm, making my mouth water. Even though I just ate LOL

tapmouse said...

Sounds yum-I think I'll need to try it sometime. I make a quick and easy ground turkey chili-this more sophisticated one sounds intriguing but definitely sounds less quick and easy than my usual 'go to'!

tapmouse said...

PS-you do realize that Jeanette does cooking classes at her B&B on occasion, right?