throwback thursday.. turkey chili

i've been making my chili this way for years.. and i have converted many people into liking turkey chili.. even my dad who didn't think he liked turkey has decided this is his favorite chili and requests it whenever we go camping at the beach.. well that annual camping trip is coming up and you can bet there will be turkey chili on the menu.. i am a season kind of girl.. i don't make chili, stews, soups or big cuts of meat like pot roast in the summer.. no clue why that is but my quirky brain thinks it's too "hot" for those types of dishes.. just like there are certain "summer" meals i don't make in the winter.. i know crazy but it's me.. i am the same way with clothes.. i can't bring myself to wear white after labor day.. it's like i think i will get struck down by the fashion police or something and i really have some cute white pants i think would be perfect for thanksgiving i am really really trying to plan on wearing them but i am sure i will chicken out.. *eyeroll* don't try and figure me out many have tried and many of failed .. he he i did once step out of my comfort zone and make summer chili .. and to be honest it kinda freaked me out.. now while it was delicious i kept thinking it was just wrong.. i may think i am daring and bada$$ in the culinary world..  i am basically just a wimp who follows directions in the end.. but since it's after labor day {don't mention that it's still 100+ degrees where i live} it's ok to make chili so i did the other night.. and it was so good.. but had a i tried to make it 3 weeks ago i would have had a panic attack.. ha ha i know weird.. but at least i know it's weird and that i am not right so it's all good.. :) *BIG SMILE*

 

spicy turkey chili

prep time: 5 minutes

cooking time: 45 - 60 minutes {depending on how much time you have}
servings:  6-8

ingredients:

2 lbs ground turkey (or beef if you prefer)
1 {16 oz} can chili ready or mexican style diced tomatoes
1 {16 oz} can of crushed tomatoes
1 can of tomato paste
1 {16 oz} can of kidney beans
1 {16 oz} can of pinto beans {or black beans}
2 tblsp. of "hot" taco seasoning {my recipe below} a package of taco seasoning is fine too use too
olive oil

toppings: {optional}

shredded cheese
diced onions
diced pickled jalapenos
chopped cilantro
tobasco
light sour cream
crushed fritos
directions:

a few turns around your large pot with the olive oil.. heat over a medium high and place turkey in pot and cook until evenly brown and crumbly.. add tomato paste.. stir around and incorporate into meat.. about 2-3 minutes..  add taco seasoning.. cook for about 2 -3 minutes.. add tomatoes and beans {don't drain them} bring to a boil.. reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 30-60 minutes stirring often so it doesn't burn.. serve up in a big bowl and top with diced onions, shredded cheese, cilantro, sour cream, jalapenos and tobasco... or last night i served them in flour tortillas wrapped them up in the tortillas with a little cheese, onion, cilantro and jalapeno then got my flat iron skillet hot and sprayed the burrito with a little pam and then cooked the burrito on each side on my iron skillet kind of like my grilled texas burritos but with chili instead.. serve with a side of sour cream.. talk about yummy!!

taco seasoning

prep time: 5

ingredients:
1 tbsp. chili powder (i use mexican hot)
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. onion powder
1 tsp. ancho chili powder
1 tsp. chipolte chili powder
1 tsp. crushed red pepper
1 tsp. smokey spanish paprika
2 tsp. cumin
1 tsp. course sea salt
directions:

combine and keep in an air tight mason jar so its always ready for whenever you need it..

enjoy and get cook'n!!