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Smoky Turkey Chili with Dark Chocolate and Chipotle Peppers

This turkey chili features ground turkey simmered with smoky chipotle peppers, dark chocolate, and hearty beans. The dish develops a rich, layered flavor with a thick, slightly saucy consistency and a deep, smoky aroma. It’s cooked through a series of sautéing, simmering, and blending techniques, resulting in a flavorful, comforting bowl of chili.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground turkey preferably lean
  • 1 large yellow onion chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 chipotle peppers chipotle peppers in adobo finely chopped
  • 1 cup dark chocolate chopped
  • 1 can diced tomatoes 14 oz, with juices
  • 2 cups chicken or beef broth for simmering
  • 2 cans canned kidney beans drained and rinsed
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Large Pot or Dutch Oven
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula

Method
 

  1. Heat the large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
  2. Add the ground turkey to the pot, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. Stir in minced garlic and chopped chipotle peppers; cook for 1-2 minutes until the mixture smells smoky and fragrant.
  4. Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and add the chili powder and cumin. Mix well to combine all the flavors.
  5. Add the chopped dark chocolate and stir until melted and well incorporated, creating a rich, velvety sauce.
  6. Pour in the broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low and cover, letting it cook for about 20 minutes to meld the flavors and thicken slightly.
  7. Remove the lid, stir in the drained kidney beans, and simmer uncovered for an additional 10 minutes to allow the chili to thicken and beans to absorb the flavors.
  8. Taste the chili and season with salt and pepper as needed. Adjust the spice level with additional chili powder if desired.
  9. Give everything a good stir, ensuring the flavors are well combined and heated through.
  10. Serve the smoky turkey chili hot, garnished with toppings like chopped cilantro, shredded cheese, or a dollop of sour cream if you like.