This flavor-packed chili, made with turkey meat and pinto beans and redolent of a rich Mexican mole sauce, is long on flavor but light enough to enjoy guilt free. Here are a few tips to make this extra easy. Have your butcher grind dark turkey meat into chili grind (larger holes) which gives the chili extra texture. Measure out all the ingredients ahead so you can cook it quickly. If you are having a crowd, you can double the recipe. Make sure to use two large pots.
I am not one who uses canned ingredients, but in this homey and very substantial cornbread recipe the canned creamed corn adds some moisture and texture to the flour and cornmeal. The caramelized leeks elevate this classic chili companion.
I use light sour cream and canned jalapenos that have been very well drained for ease and flavor. Be sure to have a variety of very cold beer on hand. Start with your favorite guacamole and chips, and serve a variety of the fresh salsas now available at the supermarkets.
Turkey and Pinto Bean Chili
Serves 8 to 12; makes 3 quarts.
Ingredients
1/4 cup vegetable oil, divided
3 pounds chili ground turkey meat
3 large onions, finely chopped
8 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon oregano leaves
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon ground cumin
2 teaspoons ground coriander
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 cup chili powder
2 to 3 teaspoons chipotle chili powder, or 1/2 to 1 canned chopped chipotle chili in adobo sauce
1 (12-ounce) can of beer
2 1/2 cups water
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 (16-ounce) cans pinto beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup jarred sweet red and yellow roasted peppers, finely chopped
1/2 ounce unsweetened chocolate (1/2 a square), grated
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Condiments:
Sour cream, tomato salsa, grated sharp cheddar cheese, chopped scallions or red onions, jalapeno chilies, seeded and finely chopped
Directions
1. In a large, 6-quart pot, heat 2 tablespoons oil over medium-high heat. Saut the turkey in batches until it is well browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. (Don't crowd the pan or the meat will steam.) Remove to a side bowl and reserve.
2. Add another 2 tablespoons of oil and saut the onions until soft and lightly browned, about 5 to 7 minutes. In a small bowl combine the garlic, oregano, cumin, coriander, cinnamon and chili powders or chopped chipotle chili. Sprinkle over the onions and saut another 2 minutes or until the spices have mixed together and there is an aroma in the air, stirring constantly.
3. Add beer, water and tomatoes, and bring to a low simmer. Return the meat to the pot. Season with salt and pepper and simmer, partially covered, for about 25 minutes, or until the meat is tender, stirring occasionally.
5. Add pinto beans, sweet peppers and grated chocolate to chili mixture on medium heat, uncovered, and continue simmering for 15 more minutes or until slightly thickened. Remove the cover the last 5 minutes of cooking to reduce the liquid. Taste and adjust the seasonings. Serve in pottery bowls surrounded by small bowls of sour cream, salsa, grated cheddar cheese, chopped onions and chopped chilies.
Advance Preparation: Can be prepared completely up to three days ahead, covered and refrigerated. Remove from refrigerator 1 hour before reheating. This may also be frozen up to 1 month ahead, defrosted and reheated gently. Adjust seasonings.
Spicy Cornbread
Serves 12-16.
Ingredients
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup yellow cornmeal
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
4 leeks, light green and white parts only, cleaned and finely chopped
4 large eggs
2 cups or 1 16 ounce container sour cream
1/2 cup vegetable oil
3/4 pound shredded sharp cheddar or Mexican cheese combination, reserving 1/2 cup
1 (14 3/4 ounce) can creamed corn
1/2 to 1 (4 ounce) can diced jalapenos, well drained, or 2-4 jalapenos, seeded and finely chopped, depending upon how spicy you like it
Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 350 F. In a medium bowl combine the flours, baking powder and salt, and mix to blend. Reserve.
2. Heat the 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet on medium-high heat and add the leeks. Saute, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly caramelized, about 7 to 10 minutes. Reserve.
3. In a mixing bowl, whisk the eggs together. Add the sour cream, oil, all but 1/2 cup of the shredded cheese and the creamed corn, and whisk together until completely blended. Add the dry ingredients to the mixture and mix until completely blended. Add the cooled leeks and jalapenos and mix until blended.
4. Grease a 9- by 13-inch baking pan. Pour in the mixture and then sprinkle on the remaining cheese evenly. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes. Let cool slightly and cut into small squares. Serve warm.
Advance Preparation: This can be made two days ahead and brought to room temperature. Reheat in a 350 F oven for about 20 minute or until heated through.
(Diane Rossen Worthington is an authority on new American cooking. She is the author of 18 cookbooks, including "Seriously Simple Holidays," and also a James Beard award-winning radio show host. You can contact her at .)