2stripsthick-cut smoky baconI use applewood smoked bacon
1large sweet oniondiced small
1poundground turkey
1medium-size jalapeno pepperabout 1-1½ ounces
4mediumcloves garlicfinely minced
1tablespoondried oregano
2-3teaspoonsancho chili powderstart with 2 (see notes above in the post about chili powder)
2teaspoonsbrown sugar
1½teaspoonsgarlic salt
1½teaspoonssmoked paprika
1teaspoonground cumin
½teaspoonfresh ground black peppe
2cupslow-sodium chicken broth
28ouncesroasted tomatoesI use 2 15 ounce cans
½cupfinely chopped fresh cilantro
215-ounce cansblack beans drained but not rinsed
112-ounce jar (340g )roasted red pepperswell-drained and diced small
½-1mediumchipotlé pepper in adobo saucefinely chopped, (start with ½ of a pepper and add more later, to taste) - see the post regarding chipotlé peppers
Stack the bacon strips on top of each other and cut in half lengthwise then cut crosswise into small pieces. Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the bacon bits and cook until crisp and golden, stirring occasionally. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon to a small bowl and reserve.
Add the ground turkey to the bacon fat and increase the heat a bit. Cook, stirring occasionally and breaking up the turkey into small bite-size pieces with a metal spatula as you go. Allow the ground meat to brown a bit before stirring again.
When the turkey is beginning to brown all over, add the onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until starting to soften. Add the jalapeño, garlic, oregano, chili powder, brown sugar, garlic salt, smoked paprika, cumin and black pepper. Stir to combine and cook for another 1-2 minutes until nice and fragrant, stirring frequently.
Add the chicken broth, fire-roasted tomatoes, chopped cilantro, black beans, diced roasted red peppers, chipotle in adobo, reserved bacon and salt. Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to maintain a low boil and cook for 25-30 minutes until the chili has thickened a bit. Taste and add more salt, if needed. Allow the chili to sit for 20 minutes for the flavors to meld and marry a bit before serving.
Notes
See Café Tips above in the post for more detailed instructions and tips to ensure success.This recipe will yield a mildly spicy chili. If you like more heat, feel free to use more chili powder or more chipotle pepper. Chili powders vary a lot in heat intensity so it’s better to start with less and add more, to taste.