Black Bean & Sweet Potato Turkey Chili

Recipe by Our Best Bites

First off this chili is delicious.  I also need to brag about the fact that it is only 1.5 grams of fat per cup and 14 grams of protein.  Don't let that scare you off though! This chili is hearty and filled with great flavor.  I have never cooked with mushrooms or sweet potatoes before but I'm sure glad I did! There is so much good stuff in here for you.  Onion, garlic, pepper, pumpkin, etc.  It's a healthy and scrumptious meal. Enjoy!

1 T. olive oil, divided

1 medium onion, diced (any color)

4 cloves garlic, peeled and minced

1 bell pepper, diced (any color)

2 jalapenos, minced

20 ounces ground turkey breast

8 ounces mushrooms, minced

2 t. cumin

2 t. kosher salt

1/2 t. pepper

1 t. oregano

1 t. chili powder

1 1/2 t. smoked paprika

1 1/2-2 lbs sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed

28 ounce can diced tomatoes (do not drain)

2 (15 ounce) cans black beans, drained and rinsed

32 ounces beef broth

15 ounce can pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)

1/2 t. cinnamon

1 T. unsweetened cocoa powder

Optional: light sour cream, sliced avocado, chopped cilantro, fresh lime juice, shredded cheese

Heat a large skillet or stock pot to medium-high heat.  Add 1 1/2 t. olive oil and add onion, garlic, bell pepper and jalapenos.  Saute for about 5-8 minutes until veggies are tender and fragrant.  Add to slow cooker.

In same skillet, heat remaining 1 1/2 t. olive oil.  Add turkey and mushrooms and stir to combine.  Sprinkle in cumin, salt, pepper, oregano, chili power and smoked paprika.  Add turkey mixture to slow cooker.

Add sweet potatoes, tomatoes, beans, broth, pumpkin, cinnamon and cocoa powder to slow cooker and stir to combine.  Place lid on pot and cook for 4-5 hours on high or 8-10 on low (I cooked mine 3 1/2-4 hours on high and it was done).  

When done, turn off heat and let chili sit with lid off for 10-15 minutes to thicken.  Season with additional salt to taste before serving.  If desired, serve with sour cream, sliced avocados, small squirt of fresh lime juice, a little shredded cheese and any other toppings desired.  

Yields: 16 cups (It will fill a large crock pot to the very top)