Art Smith’s Turkey & Pinto Bean Chili

This simple and flavorful chili is a lighter version of a classic beef chili. It is wonderful healthy option. It was included on a list of Food and Wine magazine’s best chilis.

The recipe was adapted from Food and Wine, contributed by Art Smith. In the article he said, “(this) turkey chili is a big favorite of Oprah’s.” I modified the proportions and added additional toppings. We ate it with corn muffins and green salad on the side- it was still “healthy-ish!” 🙂

Yield: 6 to 8 

• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 pounds ground turkey
• 1 large yellow onion, cut into 1/2-inch dice
• 6 large garlic cloves, minced
• 1 1/2 tablespoons chile powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 3/4 teaspoon chipotle powder
• 1 large or 2 small carrots, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch dice
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1/2-inch dice
• One 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes or tomato puree
• three 15-ounce cans pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 3/4 cup beer (such as lager)( I used Negra Modelo)
• 1 cup chicken stock or low-sodium broth
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon chopped thyme
• coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper
• sliced scallions or chopped chives, for garnish
• sour cream, for serving, optional
• shredded cheese, for serving, optional

1. In a large Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of the oil until shimmering. Add half of the turkey and cook over medium-high heat, undisturbed, until browned on the bottom, about 3 minutes.
2. Stir the turkey, season with salt and pepper, and cook until no pink remains, about 2 minutes longer. Transfer the cooked turkey to a bowl.
3. Repeat with 1 more tablespoon of oil and the remaining turkey.
4. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil and the onion to the pot. Cook over moderate heat until softened, about 5 minutes.
5. Add the garlic, chile powder, cumin, oregano and chipotle powder and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
6. Return the turkey to the pot.
7. Stir in the carrot, bell pepper, tomato puree, beans and lager and bring to a boil.
8. Stir in the stock and vinegar, cover and simmer over low heat for 45 minutes.
9. Add the thyme, season with salt and pepper and serve, garnished with scallions or chives.

Chickpea, Quinoa & White Bean Chili

This dish was a fun, delicious, and healthy dinner. Everyone in my house loves a meal that involves assorted toppings! 🙂

The recipe was adapted from Antoni Let’s Do Dinner by Antoni Porowski of Queer Eye. The chili published in his last book is one of our absolute favorites, so I knew that we had to try his vegan version (vegetarian with the optional sour cream and cheese toppings).

We ate it with cornbread muffins on the side. Wonderful.

Yield: Serves 4 to 6

For the Chili:

• 3 T olive oil
• 1 large onion, coarsely chopped
• 1 large red bell pepper, cored, seeded, and chopped
• 5 large garlic cloves, finely chopped
• Kosher salt
• 2 1/2 cups water or a combination of stock and water
• 2 T tomato paste
• 1 T chili powder
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 1 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes, preferably fire-roasted
• 1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15 oz) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• 1 T finely chopped chipotle chilies in adobo, plus more to taste (about 1 medium chile)
• 2 tsp packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup tricolor quinoa, rinsed

For the Toppings:

• coarsely crushed or broken tortilla chips
• sour cream
• shredded Mexican cheese blend, cheddar, or pepper Jack cheese
• sliced or cubed avocado
• chopped red onion or sliced scallions
• canned mild green chilies or sliced fresh or pickled jalapeños
• chopped fresh cilantro

1. Heat the oil in a Dutch oven or other large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. (I used a large enameled cast iron Dutch oven.)
2. Add the onion, bell pepper, garlic, and 1 teaspoon coarse salt; cook, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are softened, about 8 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, dissolve the tomato paste in 2 1/2 cups water or in a combination of stock and water. (I used 1 cup stock and 1 1/2 cups water.)
4. Stir the chili powder, cumin, and oregano into the onion mixture and cook, stirring, until the spices begin to stick to the bottom of the pot, about 1 minute.
5. Add the tomatoes, beans, chickpeas, chipotles, brown sugar, 1 teaspoon coarse salt, and the tomato paste mixture. Increase the heat to medium-high and cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture reaches a low boil.
6. Add the rinsed quinoa, reduce the heat to maintain a simmer, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the quinoa is tender, about 25 to 35 minutes.
7. Remove the chili from the heat and adjust the seasonings and chipotle to taste.
8. Add the water to thin, if desired.
9. Serve with assorted toppings (and cornbread, if desired).

Sautéed Greens with Corn, Bacon & Scallions

I have a couple dishes to share that are absolutely loaded with greens. This colorful dish could be served as a main but we ate it as a hearty side with grilled mustard chicken thighs and roasted potatoes. I drizzled the potatoes with residual bacon fat (from this dish) prior to roasting- great.

This recipe was adapted from The Mom 100 Cookbook by Katie Workman, via The New York Times, contributed by Julia Moskin. I modified the method and incorporated my CSA beet greens, kale, and collard greens. The original recipe notes that carrots or summer squash can be substituted for the peppers and corn. Easy and delicious.

Yield: Serves 6 as a side

• 4 slices bacon, cut crosswise into 1-inch-wide strips
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 shallot or small onion, minced
• 3 cups corn kernels, from about 4 ears corn (or a combination of corn and diced summer squash)(thawed frozen corn okay)
• 1/2 cup chopped red or orange bell pepper (or carrot)
•  pinch red pepper flakes
•  coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 3 scallions, white and light green parts, thinly sliced
• 6 to 8 cups de-stemmed greens, like chard or kale, cut into 1/4-inch ribbons (or whole baby spinach, or another tender green)(I used a combination of beet greens, kale, & collard greens)

1. Cook bacon in a large Dutch oven over medium-low heat, turning occasionally, until browned and crisp, about 10 minutes. (I used a large enameled cast iron Dutch oven.) Transfer to paper towels to drain; pour off all but a teaspoon of fat from the skillet. (Reserve the bacon fat for another use- such as roasting potatoes!)
2. Add butter and melt.
3. Add shallot (and carrot, if using) and adjust heat; vegetables should sizzle, but not scorch. Cook, stirring, about 2 minutes.
4. Add greens and cook for about 4 minutes, until beginning to wilt.
5. Add corn (and/or squash), peppers, and pepper flakes and let sizzle, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 3 to 5 minutes more. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
6. Crumble bacon and add to skillet with scallions. Cook together 1 minute and serve hot.

Shakshuka with Feta

As in my last post, this recipe was re-published in a New York Times special section called One Pot/Pan/Skillet: 24 Brilliant Recipes for Everyone Who Hates Doing the Dishes. My dream. 🙂

During this time of self-quarantine, I have made or plan to make several other dishes from this collection including past favorites like One-Pan Shrimp Scampi with Orzo and Mustard Chicken with Shallots and White Wine.

This recipe was adapted from The New York Times, contributed by Melissa Clark. We ate it for dinner with a crusty sourdough baguette and a giant green salad. This quick and tasty dish can be served any meal of the day.

Yield: Serves 4 to 6

• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, halved and thinly sliced
• 1 large red bell pepper, seeded and thinly sliced
• 6 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp sweet paprika
• 1/8 tsp ground cayenne, or to taste
• 1 (28-ounce) can whole plum tomatoes with their juices, coarsely chopped (I used San Marzano)
  
• 3/4 tsp kosher salt, plus more as needed
• 1/4 tsp black pepper, plus more as needed
• 5 ounces feta, crumbled (about 1 1/4 cups)
• 6 to 8 large eggs (I used 7)
• chopped cilantro, for serving
• hot sauce, for serving
• warm pita or crusty bread, for serving

1. Heat oven to 375 degrees, preferably on convection.
2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-low. (I used a large enameled cast iron pot.)
3. Add the onion and bell pepper. Cook gently until very soft, about 20 minutes.
4. Add garlic and cook until tender, 1 to 2 minutes; stir in cumin, paprika and cayenne, and cook 1 minute.
5. Pour in tomatoes and season with 3/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper; simmer until tomatoes have thickened, about 10 minutes.
6. Taste and add more salt and pepper if needed. Stir in crumbled feta.
7. Gently crack eggs into skillet over tomatoes. Season eggs with salt and pepper.
8. Transfer skillet to oven and bake until eggs are just set, 7 to 10 minutes.
9. Sprinkle with cilantro and serve with hot sauce and warm bread.

Pork Sausage Chili

We have a new favorite chili in our house! It may double as a new favorite Super Bowl meal too. 😉 I was a little concerned about using sausage as such a primary ingredient but the end result was very balanced. It was hearty, full-flavored, and a perfect compliment to our mandatory guacamole appetizer. I also loved that it could be prepared in advance.

I was initially drawn to the recipe because it was titled “BLT Chili” which sounded intriguing and delicious. After reading further, I realized that it was not related to a BLT but was created by chef Laurent Tourondel of BLT Burger in Las Vegas. Funny.

The recipe was adapted from Food and Wine, contributed by Laurent Tourondel. I modified the proportions, used sweet Italian sausage, and served the chili over brown rice. We also had cornbread muffins on the side. Our dessert of After-School Specials completed our festive meal. Perfect.

Yield: Serves 8 to 10

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 1/2 to 3 pounds sweet Italian pork sausage, casings removed
• 2 medium or large yellow onions, cut into 1/4-inch dice
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1/4-inch dice
• 6 to 12 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 T tomato paste
• 2 T chili powder
• 2 T sweet paprika
• 1 T cumin seeds
• 1 T dried oregano
• Two 28-ounce cans diced tomatoes
• Two 16-ounce cans kidney beans, drained
• 1 cup fresh or frozen corn kernels
• 4 cups water
• Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
• shredded sharp cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped red onion, pickled jalapeños, cilantro and hot sauce, for serving, as desired
• brown Basmati rice, for serving, optional

1. In a large, enameled cast-iron Dutch oven or casserole, heat the oil.
2. Add the sausage and cook over high heat, breaking it up, until browned, about 15 minutes.
3. Add the onions, bell pepper and garlic; cook over moderately high heat, stirring, until the onion is translucent, 8 minutes.
4. Add the tomato paste and cook for 3 minutes.
5. Add the chili powder, paprika, cumin and oregano and cook for 1 minute.
6. Add the tomatoes, beans, corn and water and cook over moderately low heat, stirring occasionally, until thickened, about 1 hour.
7. Season with salt and pepper.
8. Serve the chili over rice, if desired, with shredded sharp cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped red onion, pickled jalapeños, cilantro and hot sauce as optional toppings.

Turkey Corn Chowder with Bacon

This chowder was the best use of leftover turkey I’ve found so far. It was so wonderful, it may have to become the traditional recipe for leftover Thanksgiving turkey in my house. It was loaded with flavor and topped with bacon. A guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

This recipe was adapted from Epicurious.com, contributed by Rhoda Boone. It would also be wonderful with shredded rotisserie chicken.

Yield: Serves 8

• 6 slices bacon (4 ounces)
• 1 medium or large yellow onion, chopped
• 1 medium carrot, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds (halved lengthwise if large)
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
• 1/2 medium jalapeño, finely chopped, plus more to taste
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 6 cups (48 ounces) homemade or store-bought chicken or turkey stock
• 1 medium sweet potato (about 1 pound), peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• Two 4-ounce cans mild diced green chiles, drained
• 2 tsp dried oregano
• 2 dried bay leaves
• 4 cups shredded turkey or rotisserie chicken
• 10 ounces frozen corn, thawed
• 3/4 cup half-and-half, plus more to taste
• sliced scallions, for serving
• chopped parsley, for serving

1. In a large pot over medium heat, cook bacon until crisp, 8 to 10 minutes.
2. Drain on a paper towel and crumble into small pieces and set aside, reserving the fat in the pot. Pour off all but 1 tablespoon fat, and save for another use.
3. Return the pot to medium heat, and add onion, carrot, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Add bell pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, for 3 minutes more.
5. Add jalapeño and cumin and cook, stirring, 1 minute more.
6. Add stock, sweet potato, chiles, oregano, and bay leaves and bring to a simmer. Cook until sweet potato is tender, about 10 minutes.
7. Stir in the turkey or chicken and corn and cook until warmed through, 3 to 5 minutes.
8. Add 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, and half-and-half. Continue to cook until just warmed through.
9. Taste and adjust seasoning, thinning the chowder with another 1/4 cup half-and-half, if desired.
10. Serve chowder topped with crumbled bacon, scallions, and parsley.

Shrimp in Yellow Curry

I have difficulty getting together the energy to cook after a long day at the beach. Life is rough! 😉 I’m always looking for new fast and fabulous meals to try.

This is a bright, flavor-packed, quick, and delicious weeknight dish. Perfect after a long day outside. It could be prepared any time of year as well.

The recipe was adapted from The New York Times, contributed by Mark Bittman. I modified the proportions, used Maharajah curry, and incorporated spinach and a red bell pepper into the dish. We ate it over brown Basmati rice. Wonderful!

Yield: Serves 4 to 6

• 2 tablespoons peanut or vegetable oil
• 1 yellow onion, minced
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic (I used 7 cloves)
• 1 tablespoon minced galangal or ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon minced hot chili, or crushed red pepper flakes, or to taste
• 1 tablespoon curry powder, or to taste (I used Penzeys Maharajah curry)
• 13.5 oz fresh or canned coconut milk
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into slices
• 6 oz baby spinach
• 1 ½ to 2 pounds medium-to-large shrimp, peeled with tails intact
• coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 to 2 tablespoons fish sauce, or to taste
• ¼ cup minced cilantro or mint leaves
• brown Basmati rice, for serving (I used 1 1/2 cups rice to 3 cups stock)
• naan, for serving, optional

1. Place the oil in a large, deep skillet and turn the heat to medium. (I used enameled cast iron.)
2. Add the onion, garlic, ginger, and chilies and cook, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are tender and the mixture pasty.
3. Add red pepper slices and sauté until starting to soften.
4. Add the curry and cook, stirring, another minute.
5. Add the coconut milk and raise the heat to medium-high. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is nearly dry.
6. Add the shrimp and spinach, a few pinches of salt and a little black pepper and cook, stirring frequently, until the shrimp release their liquid (the mixture will become quite moist again) and turn pink, and the spinach is wilted.
7. Add 1 tablespoon of fish sauce, stir, then taste and add the rest if necessary.
8. Garnish with cilantro and serve with rice.

One Year Ago:

• Weeknight Red Curry

Two Years Ago:

• Curry Noodles with Shrimp & Coconut

Three Years Ago:

• Grilled Cilantro-Lime Shrimp Tacos with Cabbage & Corn Slaw

Four Years Ago:

• Makhani Dal (Butter Dal), Mogul-Style
• Lebanese One-Pot Mujadara with Spring Greens