Turkey Chili Con Refried Beans

I’m not sure there is any recipe more subjective than chili. Do you honestly know any two people who make it the same? I love how creative chili can be, and how it can be tweaked with an ingredient or two and become something completely different. Here’s my take.

Turkey Chili Con Refried Beans

I add or subtract amounts depending on how many I’m feeding. Just don’t skimp on the seasonings.

Several garlic cloves, minced
Red and green peppers, minced
jalapeno, minced
Onion, minced
1 lb turkey burger (not the super lean kind)
1 package of chili mix
Garlic powder
Chili powder
Paprika
Pepper
3-5 cans of Mexican style or chili ready tomatoes
2 can fat free refried beans

Saute peppers, onions and garlic until soft. I used to have some chili flavored olive oil and would use that for a kickin' chili. Now I use water or chicken broth so the chili doesn’t get too oily. Once soft, add burger and chili package. Season liberally with seasonings. Then more garlic powder for good measure.

Add meat mixture to crock pot, add tomatoes and refried beans. I prefer to cook on low for 8 hours rather than high for 4. I was always check for flavor an hour in or so, then season as needed. Here’s where I differ from most. Ala Cincinnati chili, I serve mine over rice. Then top with cheese, sour cream and saltines.

Next time I make it, I’m also going to make these cheese muffins.

White Chicken Chili

Mmmmm, I have made this a few times, including last night. So good and could be low fat depending on which toppings you use. My favorite are a squirt of lime juice and green onions.
White Chicken Chili
1 c. diced onion
1 garlic clove, chopped
1 14 oz. can chicken broth
2-4 chicken breasts, cooked, with broth to equal 14 oz, shredded. (I just add a little water and a bullion cube to whatever chicken broth is left over from cooking the chicken to equal 14 oz.)
1 4 oz. can diced chilies, undrained
2 cans great northern beans, white, drained

18 oz. shoepeg corn, undrained (often sold in 11 oz. cans by Green Giant--I use a 15 oz can of Del Monte fresh cut corn)**
3 T. lime juice
1 t. lemon juice
1 t. cumin seed
1 t. ground cumin

Saute onion and garlic in a little oil. Add other ingredients and simmer to blend flavors, about 20 minutes. When served, garnish with grated cheddar cheese, salsa, sour cream, green onion and avocado. Add slightly crushed tortilla chips if desired.

**When I made it last night, I wasn't paying attention and drained the corn but not the beans. Turned out just fine! Photo from Your Heart Out.