Rev: Ground Turkey Chili - 6/03

[RebeccaT]

I looked to see if this had been reviewed yet, but I don't think it has been...

I made this over the weekend to freeze and take to a friend who just had a baby a week ago. I selected this recipe because I wanted to make a chili or something similar since it freezes so well, but I didn't want anything too spicy, and this one looked like it fit the bill.

This is a very very ok, basic recipe, but it could provide a great starting point for something quite good. My reason for choosing it turned out to be right on - not a whole lot of heat, but frankly not a whole lot of anything. I wound up subbing a can of Muir Glen Fire Roasted Tomatoes for the plain whole tomatoes, and it was still not very flavorful, even with a Tbs. of Penzey's Medium-Hot Chili Powder. The fire roasted tomatoes helped, but it was still missing something, so I added 2 tsp. of cumin. That added enough flavor for me to be satisfied; given the fact that I would be giving this to a new mom who is breastfeeding so I didn't want it to be to spicy.

If I was serving this to DH and myself, I would have definitely added a few shakes of Chipotle Tabasco sauce, and maybe saute some green bell peppers in with the onions.

As written, I'd give this recipe a 5/10 - absolutely palatable, but nothing great. With some changes you could end up with a tasty, easy, light chili.

[Vicanddi]

Rebecca, thanks for the review. I had been planning on making this, and am rather disappointed to find out it wasn't very good. I still may make this with your suggested changes. But, I have a good chil recipe already, that uses ground beef. I may just use that recipe with ground turkey, and up the flavor as needed.

[Julia1Pin]

Originally posted by RebeccaT
This is a very very ok, basic recipe, but it could provide a great starting point for something quite good. My reason for choosing it turned out to be right on - not a whole lot of heat, but frankly not a whole lot of anything. I wound up subbing a can of Muir Glen Fire Roasted Tomatoes for the plain whole tomatoes, and it was still not very flavorful, even with a Tbs. of Penzey's Medium-Hot Chili Powder. The fire roasted tomatoes helped, but it was still missing something, so I added 2 tsp. of cumin. That added enough flavor for me to be satisfied; given the fact that I would be giving this to a new mom who is breastfeeding so I didn't want it to be to spicy.

As written, I'd give this recipe a 5/10 - absolutely palatable, but nothing great. With some changes you could end up with a tasty, easy, light chili.

I used Muir Glenn Fire Roasted Tomatoes also and I agree 100% with the review, and the rating. I used Chipotle Chile Powder for the chile powder and it wasn't very spicy, and the flavor was just ok. There have been other, better recipes in the past.

[funnybone]

I plan on making this tonight with the Italian turkey sausage I have left over from the May/03 pasta I made last night. I also plan on adding the chile powder to the pan prior to the water. I find that it needs to saute a bit to pick up the flavor. Maybe add some cumin too - what is chile without cumin anyway. The water will just wash the flavor away before it gets a chance let its flavor out. I may use chicken broth instead of water too - or extra beer? We don't drink beer, so the rest of the beer would go to waste. I'll post my changes and reviews tomorrow!

[RebeccaT]

Erika, I agree with you... what is chili without cumin? As it was, I was committing the cardinal sin of chili (at least here in Texas) by making it with BEANS!! ;)

I think that some additional beer might be good - but be careful, because it's already kind of watery. If that's your plan, then you might want to decrease the water. I agree with you that sauteing the turkey with the chili powder probably would have been a better bet.

I actually do think that adding the coffee at the end was a nice touch - it did add a certain depth to the chili that definitely wouldn't have been there otherwise.

[funnybone]

Originally posted by RebeccaT
I think that some additional beer might be good - but be careful, because it's already kind of watery. If that's your plan, then you might want to decrease the water. I agree with you that sauteing the turkey with the chili powder probably would have been a better bet.


Actually I was going to keep the liquids the same, but replace the water with either extra beer or chicken stock, or a combo of both. Not sure yet.

[funnybone]

This is simmering right now, but I decided not to change too much about the recipe. I ususally don't like to change recipes the first time I make them.

I used the turkey sausage which will add more flavor, subbed chicken broth for the water. I used Penzey's Medium chili powder for the one mentioned in the recipe. I'll be adding Corona beer as that is all I have and coffee soon. I have taste tested and it is pretty good so far. Oh, I did add the chile powder and pepper to the onions and garlic and sauteed for about a minute prior to adding the other ingredients. I opted not to use cumin. If I change the recipe too much, it just becomes another recipe.

[RebeccaT]

Erika, what did you think?

I am eating some leftovers right now (I had about 1.5 more cups than would fit in the GladWare container I brought over to my friends. :D ) I added a few shakes of Chipotle Tabasco Sauce, and it's really good! Added just a little more flavor, a little more heat. I also think that letting it sit in the fridge for two days helped to deepen the flavors as well. I am starting to change my mind about this chili!!!

[funnybone]

Originally posted by RebeccaT
Erika, what did you think?

I am eating some leftovers right now

I just had some leftovers too. I like it, but I find it has a definite beer taste to it. It's not overpowering, but since I don't drink beer, I can taste it. Maybe it's because I didn't use light - I don't know. Anyway, I think that chile is [i]always[/b] better the next day. I like it. Mine isn't really spicy, but does have some heat. I used Medium chili powder. Anyone know what Mexene Chili powder is, as the recipe calls for?

[semmens]

I'm in week 2 of SBD and this fit the plan pretty well!

I thought it was yummy. I do agree that it could be spicier and I added a little chipotle chili powder (and as usual for me and CL recipes, extra salt). I used my own canned tomatoes. :D

I'm looking forward to eating the leftovers later this week.

Laura