Ina Garten, known as the Barefoot Contessa, has a knack for creating dishes that are both sophisticated and comforting.
Her Turkey Chili is no exception, offering a healthier take on the classic chili that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
This dish combines lean ground turkey with a variety of beans, vegetables, and spices, simmered together to create a rich, hearty, and nutritious meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
What is Barefoot Contessa Turkey Chili
Barefoot Contessa Turkey Chili is a lighter version of traditional beef chili, utilizing ground turkey as the primary protein.
This substitution not only reduces the dish’s fat content but also lends a distinct, mildly sweet flavor that pairs wonderfully with the robust chili spices.
Ina Garten’s recipe is packed with layers of flavor, thanks to a generous mix of fresh vegetables, beans, and a carefully chosen blend of spices.
It’s a comforting, one-pot meal that epitomizes home cooking at its best.
What Goes Best with Barefoot Contessa Turkey Chili
Turkey chili is versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides. For a classic combination, serve it with cornbread or crusty bread to soak up the savory sauce.
A side of green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette can balance the chili’s richness, while rice or quinoa makes for a hearty, filling addition.
For garnishes, offer toppings like sour cream, grated cheese, sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, or avocado to allow everyone to customize their bowl.
Ingredients
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
– 1 pound ground turkey (preferably dark meat)
– 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
– 2 cans (15 ounces each) black beans or kidney beans, rinsed and drained
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 1/4 cup minced fresh cilantro (plus more for garnish)
– 2 tablespoons chili powder
– 1 tablespoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
– Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
– 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
– 1 cup chicken stock or water
How to Prepare Barefoot Contessa Turkey Chili
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions, garlic, and bell peppers, cooking until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Brown the Turkey: Increase the heat to medium-high, add the ground turkey, and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until the meat is no longer pink.
- Add the Flavors: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, beans, tomato paste, cilantro, chili powder, cumin, oregano, paprika, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Simmer: Pour in the chicken stock or water, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Adjust Seasonings: Taste and adjust the seasonings as necessary. The chili should have a rich, developed flavor.
Barefoot Contessa Turkey Chili
Ingredients
- - 2 tablespoons olive oil
- - 1 large onion chopped
- - 2 garlic cloves minced
- - 1 red bell pepper diced
- - 1 yellow bell pepper diced
- - 1 pound ground turkey preferably dark meat
- - 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
- - 2 cans 15 ounces each black beans or kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- - 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- - 1/4 cup minced fresh cilantro plus more for garnish
- - 2 tablespoons chili powder
- - 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika optional
- - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- - 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes adjust to taste
- - 1 cup chicken stock or water
Instructions
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions, garlic, and bell peppers, cooking until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Brown the Turkey: Increase the heat to medium-high, add the ground turkey, and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until the meat is no longer pink.
- Add the Flavors: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, beans, tomato paste, cilantro, chili powder, cumin, oregano, paprika, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Simmer: Pour in the chicken stock or water, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Adjust Seasonings: Taste and adjust the seasonings as necessary. The chili should have a rich, developed flavor.
Notes
How to Serve Barefoot Contessa Turkey Chili
Serve the chili hot in bowls, garnished with additional cilantro, and accompanied by your choice of sides and toppings. This dish is hearty enough to stand alone but versatile enough to suit a variety of accompaniments.
How to Reheat Barefoot Contessa Turkey Chili
Microwave: Place a serving in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Oven: Transfer to an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until hot throughout.
Stovetop: Reheat in a pot over medium heat, adding a splash of water or chicken stock if the chili has thickened too much, stirring occasionally until hot.
How to Store Leftovers of Barefoot Contessa Turkey Chili
Cool the chili to room temperature, then transfer it to airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Barefoot Contessa Turkey Chili
Can I make this chili vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the turkey and add more beans or vegetables like zucchini and mushrooms.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
As long as you ensure that all packaged ingredients are gluten-free, this recipe can be made gluten-free.
Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Yes, ground chicken is a suitable substitute for ground turkey and will work well in this recipe, maintaining a similar nutritional profile and flavor.
Nutritional Information
The nutritional content of Barefoot Contessa Turkey Chili can vary based on the specific ingredients used, but here is an approximate breakdown for a serving size of 1 cup:
Calories: 250-300 kcal
Protein: 20-25 g
Fat: 8-12 g
– Saturated Fat: 2-3 g
Carbohydrates: 25-30 g
– Dietary Fiber: 6-8 g
– Sugars: 5-7 g
Sodium: 400-600 mg (depending on the sodium content of the canned beans and chicken stock)
This chili is a great source of lean protein from the ground turkey, providing a healthier alternative to beef chili.
The beans add significant fiber, contributing to the dish’s satiety factor. The variety of vegetables increases the vitamin and mineral content, making this a well-rounded, nutritious meal.
To further reduce the fat content, you can opt for ground turkey breast, though this may result in a slightly less moist chili.
Barefoot Contessa Turkey Chili is a delightful, nutritious dish that doesn’t sacrifice flavor for health benefits.
It’s perfect for a cozy dinner on a cold night or for serving a crowd at a casual get-together. With its rich, complex flavors and hearty ingredients, it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.
