Despite no longer living on the East Coast I’m still cold…  Texas is having quite the cold front this year and only feeds into my desire for hearty dishes.  When in doubt, chili can just warm anyone up, I promise.

This variation to chili is protein dense due to its content of three different beans (kidney, black, and chickpea) as well as lean ground turkey.  The dish is also antioxidant rich due to its ingredients such as peppers. 

Jalapeño peppers can be green or red in color and are a great source of vitamin-c.  These small peppers contain capsaicin aka ‘heat’ which stimulates endorphins/natural stress fighters.  Studies have begun to prove jalapeños may assist with appetite reduction and metabolism of fat.  

Bell peppers are also a great source of vitamin-c and beta carotene.  Bell peppers that are red in color are harvested longer and have the sweetest taste as well as the greatest nutrient content of the other colors (green, yellow, and orange).  Just like jalapeños these peppers are low in calories.

Triple Bean Power

Got Spices?!

Final product

Ingredients:

• 1.25# lean ground turkey
• 1 medium yellow onion; diced
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans; strained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas; strained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) red kidney beans; strained and rinsed
• 1/4 cup cilantro, minced
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 medium jalapeño; minced
• 1 large red bell pepper; diced
• 1 cup beef or chicken broth (I used beef for extra flavor)
• 2-3 shakes of the following spices: Tumeric, Cumin, Garlic Powder, Paprika, and Curry Powder
• EVOO as needed for heating the stockpot
• To Taste/Optional: 2-3 shakes of sea salt or regular salt

Methodology:

1. In a large stockpot, drizzle EVOO under medium-high heat then add the yellow onions.  Sauté for 5 minutes or until slightly browned.
2. Add the ground turkey and sauté for 5 minutes.
3. Shake as needed with the following spices: turmeric, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, and curry powder (I did about 2 shakes of each).  Toss in both types of peppers.  Cook for 5 minutes.
4. Add all three types of beans, cilantro, tomato paste, and beef broth – mix well.  Allow the combination to simmer under medium heat for 20 minutes.
5. OPTIONAL:  Taste before serving and if needed add salt – absolutely not necessary for myself but some are quite the ‘salt-holics.’
6. Remove from heat and garnish as needed with cilantro.
7. Voila!

DISCLAIMER :: Don’t forget to wash your hands after handling jalapeños – no one needs their eyes to water or for their skin to burn!

xxx – Sarah