Ingredients
Spices
- 2 ½ teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper, or more to taste
Main Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 pound ground turkey, 92% lean (450g)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 ribs celery, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 medium bell peppers, red or orange, chopped
- 2 (15-ounce) cans white beans, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups chicken stock (945ml)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 bunch lacinato kale, stemmed and thinly sliced
- 6 ounces block full-fat cream cheese (170g)
Instructions
- Make spice mix: In a small bowl, combine ground cumin, dried oregano, smoked paprika, chili powder, and cayenne pepper. Stir well to create a uniform spice blend.
- Brown the turkey: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground turkey, season with 1/4 teaspoon salt and half of the spice mix. Cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon until browned and cooked through. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
- Cook the veggies: Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the same pot. Sauté chopped onion, celery, garlic, and bell peppers. Sprinkle the leftover spice mix over the vegetables and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Build the chili: Stir in the cream cheese and let it melt into the vegetables, creating a smooth, creamy base. Add the bay leaf and pour in the chicken stock. Stir and bring to a simmer. Then add the drained white beans, browned turkey, and sliced kale. Simmer gently for about 15 minutes until the kale is tender but still vibrant green.
- Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt as needed. Remove from heat and let the chili rest for 10 minutes to thicken slightly. Serve warm with your favorite chili toppings.
Notes
- Use full-fat cream cheese for best creaminess; low-fat versions may alter texture.
- Adjust cayenne pepper depending on your spice preference.
- For added depth, consider topping with shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped fresh cilantro.
- This chili stores well and tastes even better the next day after flavors meld.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat