Cocoa powder may seem a bit out of place in chili, but it has two jobs in this mole-inspired version: It adds depth of flavor and helps thicken the sauce. We suggest serving the chili with tortilla chips, but it would also be great with cornbread.
Directions for: Slow Cooker Turkey Chili
Ingredients
2 Tbsp vegetable oil
3 Tbsp tomato paste
3 Tbsp chili powder
1 Tbsp ground cumin
tsp cayenne pepper
lb(s) ground turkey (preferably dark meat)
Kosher salt
1 (28-oz) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth, plus more for thinning the chili if needed
cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 Tbsp red wine vinegar
1 Tbsp dried oregano
2 (15-oz) cans pinto beans, strained and rinsed
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cups crushed corn tortilla chips, plus whole for serving
3 cloves garlic, chopped
Sliced scallions, shredded Cheddar, sour cream and chopped pickled jalapeno, for serving
Directions
1. Heat the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tomato paste, chili powder, cumin and cayenne and cook, stirring, until the oil is brick-red and the mixture is dry, about 2 minutes. Add the ground turkey and 1 teaspoon salt and cook, stirring and breaking up into smaller pieces, until the mixture is combined (the turkey doesn't need to be cooked all the way through at this point). Transfer the mixture to the insert of a 6-quart slow cooker.
2. Add the tomatoes, chicken broth, cocoa powder, vinegar, oregano and 1 teaspoon salt to the skillet over medium-high heat and bring to a simmer, whisking. Cook for about 2 minutes. Add the tomato mixture, beans, onions, crushed tortilla chips and garlic to the insert and give the mixture a good stir. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours.
3. Add chicken broth to thin the chili, if necessary. Season with salt. Serve with scallions, Cheddar, sour cream, pickled jalapeno and tortilla chips.
Source and Credits
Copyright 2013 Television Food Network, G.P. All rights reserved
Recipe courtesy of Food Network Kitchen
See more: Turkey, Beans, Cheese, Comfort Food, Herbs, Main, Slow Cook, Tomatoes