Healthy Turkey Chili Recipe

When it's cold and blustery, and you think you may never see Spring or get warm again, try our healthy recipe for turkey chili, it'll warm the cockles of your heart.  Using turkey instead of beef cuts the fat, but not the flavor in this cold weather favorite.  All the good stuff you want in a hearty chili recipe is here, to deliver a flavor packed meal that will delight eveyone around the dinner table. 

The kidney beans add flavor and texture, and they up the protein content of this hearty, healthy recipe.  You can double the recipe with no added work, and have leftovers for lunch, or for another meal later in the week.  Simmering on the stove for an hour gives all the flavors a chance to come together gently, and meld into a delicious medley of spices that delivers a warm, hearty meal. 

To make this recipe even better for you, try serving the chili over whole wheat pasta or brown rice, and use a low fat cheese on top.  While the chili is cooking, throw together a quick salad, and you've got a complete, healthy meal that your family will love.

Makes 4 Servings, about 1-1/2 cups each

Turkey Chili Recipe

Ingredients:

Ground turkey, 1 pound
Onion, minced, 3/4 cup
Margarine, 2 tablespoons
Water, 3 cups
Garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon
Chili powder, 1 tablespoon
Dry parsley flakes, 1 tablespoon
Paprika, 1 teaspoon
Dry mustard, 2 teaspoons
Canned red kidney beans, drained, 1 15-1/2-ounce can
Tomato paste, 1 6-ounce can
Pearl barley, 1/2 cup
Cheddar cheese, shredded 3/4 cup

Directions:

1. In large sauce pan, cook turkey and onions in margarine until turkey is browned and no longer pink in color, about 9 minutes. Drain; return turkey and onions to pan.

2. Add remaining ingredients except the cheese to turkey mixture; bring to boil, stirring frequently.
Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3. Uncover and simmer 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Serve over cooked macaroni.

5. Sprinkle 3 tablespoons of cheese over each serving of chili.

Per Seving:
Calories 540
Total fat 26 grams
Saturated fat 9 grams
Cholesterol 104 milligrams
Sodium 579 milligrams