Rich Turkey Chili with Bacon, Dark Beer & Chocolate

My daughter and I really enjoy watching Queer Eye on Netflix together. It is so positive and full of love. She is particularly a fan of Antoni, the chef. We were excited to check out his cookbook! 🙂

This fabulous chili recipe was adapted from Antoni in the Kitchen by Antoni Porowski. I modified the proportions. It was rich, full-flavored, and hearty. We ate it with lots of toppings, cornbread muffins and green salad. I’m planning to make it again to serve on a really chilly evening. Everyone loved it.

Super Bowl 2021 Update: This chili was absolutely delicious served with beer bread.

Yield: Serves 6 to 8

For the Chili:

• 1/3 to 1/2 pound thick-cut bacon, cut crosswise into 1/4-inch-wide strips (4-5 slices)
• 1 3/4 to 2 pounds ground turkey, preferably dark meat
• Kosher salt
• 2 T olive oil
• 2 medium or 1 1/2 large onions, coarsely chopped (about 3 cups)
• 1 red bell pepper, cored, seeded, and cut into small cubes
• 3 T tomato paste
• 5 to 8 large garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1 canned chipotle chile in adobo, seeded (if desired), finely chopped, plus 1 to 2 T adobo sauce (I didn’t seed the chile)
• 2 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 2 (15-oz) cans black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (14-oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (12-oz) bottle dark beer (such as Guiness or Negra Modelo)
• 1 1/2 cups chicken stock
• 2 oz dark chocolate, coarsely chopped (scant 1/2 cup) (I used 72% cacao)
• 2 T apple cider vinegar
• 2 tsp molasses or dark brown sugar

For the Toppings:

• sliced avocado
• chopped fresh cilantro
• grated cheddar
• diced red or white onion
• pickled jalapeños
• sour cream or Greek yogurt
• lime wedges

1. In a large Dutch oven or other wide heavy pot with a lid, cook the bacon over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until crisp and golden, 5 to 7 minutes. (I used a large enameled cast iron Dutch oven.) Using a slotted spoon, transfer the bacon to a large bowl.
2. Cook the turkey in the remaining bacon fat over high heat, stirring frequently and breaking up the meat into small bits with a wooden spoon, until cooked through, about 5 minutes.
3. Season turkey with 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt, then transfer and any juices to the bowl with the bacon.
4. Heat the oil in the same pot over medium to medium-high heat.
5. Add the onions and bell pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and the onions are golden, about 8 minutes.
6. Stir in the tomato paste and garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring, then stir in the chipotle and adobo sauce, oregano, cumin, and 2 teaspoons of salt. Cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
7. Add the beans, crushed tomatoes, beer, stock, chocolate, and turkey-bacon mixture. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the chili is deeply flavorful, about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
8. Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the vinegar and molasses or brown sugar.
9. Adjust the seasoning, to taste. Serve hot with toppings, as desired.