My Meals are on Wheels

3 Bean Turkey Chili

Today’s Menu: 3 Bean Turkey Chili w/ Johnny Cakes

For Breakfast this morning I had a cup of Bigelow Decaf Green Tea. 62 degrees and cloudy out today, with rain showers moving in late afternoon. I went out to get the morning papers and it was your typical Autumn Morning out there. The East skies were orange, yellow, and blue then to the West and North the skies were grey and black. Bit of breeze that was rustling the leaves, and there is a ton of leaves on the ground. Fall has set in here in Ohio! After Breakfast I did a load of laundry and then later I cleaned the house, dusted and vacuum. Done for the day. For Dinner tonight I got the last 2 containers of the leftover 3 Bean Turkey Chili out of the freezer and heated that up. So it’s 3 Bean Turkey Chili w/ Johnny Cakes. I’ve left a previous post for the ingredients and directions. I’ll be making a new Batch soon! I also made some Johnny Cakes to go with the Chili Take care all!

I had not made my Chili in a while, and it was long over due! To make my Chili I’m using Jennie -O Lean Ground Turkey, 2 – 1lb. packages. The 3 Beans I use are 1 Can (16 oz.) Bush’s Chili Beans (Black Beans), 1 Can (16 oz.) Bush’s Chili Beans ( Kidney Beans), 1 Can (16 oz.) Bush’s Chili Beans (Great Northern Beans) drained and rinsed, Then I mix in 1 Red Onion (medium Chopped or Minced), 1 Jalapeno Pepper (Seeded and Chopped), and 3 Cloves Minced Garlic. For my spices I use 1 Packet McCormick Chili Mix, 2 Cans (6 oz.) Hunt’s Tomato Paste (2 cans),4 Cloves Minced Garlic, 2 tsp Ground Anchio Chile Pepper, 2 tsp Ground Paprika, 1 Tbs. Ground Chile Seasoning, 2 Tbs. Ground Roasted Cumin, 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon, 1 tbsp of Cilantro Leaves and 5 Dashes of Frank’s Hot Sauce or to taste (I usually add a lot more dashes!). What’s good about this recipe you can use your own favorite Spices and make your own tweaks to it.

First thing I do is get the Crock Pot out and put in a Glad Crock Pot Liner. The Liners are incredible, just line your Crock Pot with one and spray it with Pam Cooking Spray. Now you are set to go. It makes for one easy clean up, just remove it when done and give the inside of your Crock Pot a quick wipe down and your clean up is done! On with the recipe.

I prepared the Beans and Ground Turkey last night. To prepare the Turkey, I started by browning the Jennie -O Ground Turkey. Using a large skillet sprayed with Pam Cooking Spray and 1 tablespoon of Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Preheat the skillet on medium heat. When heated I add the Ground Turkey and all the Seasonings and Tomato Paste, stirring often. When the Turkey has browned I put it in a large plastic container and on into the fridge after it had cooled a bit. Next I opened all 3 cans of Bush Beans into a large bowl and stirred until mixed. Stored them in a bowl and in the fridge also.

Then this morning I added everything to the Crock Pot. I also added a 1/2 cup of Water, stirred twice, and put the lid on the Crock Pot and set on low for 5-6 hours. The full recipe and list of ingredients is at the end of the post. Then sit back and enjoy the aroma, that usually starts after an hour or so of simmering! I love a thick Chili and this one works! The Jennie – O Ground Turkey combined with all those Beans and Spices is a perfect match. Served it topped with some Grated Smoked Gouda Cheese and a couple of shakes of Frank’s Red Hot Sauce.

I just love the aroma of the simmering Chili, that usually starts after an hour or so of simmering! I love a thick Chili and this one works! The Jennie – O Ground Turkey combined with all those Beans and Spices is a perfect match. Served it topped with some Sargento Reduced Fat Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese and a couple of shakes of Frank’s Red Hot Sauce. I’ll be using the Leftover Chili in a couple of different ways for the couple of days, can’t wait! Chili is even better after sitting in the fridge for a day!

To prepare Johnny Cakes all you’ll need is: Pam w/ Olive Oil Non – Stick Spray, 1/4 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil, 1 3/4 cups Low Fat Buttermilk, and 2 cups Martha White Self Rising Enriched White Corn Meal Mix. Just mix all your 3 Bean Turkey Chili w Johnny Cakes 004ingredients in a large bowl. Spray your Pam on a Flat Top Griddle or large Skillet and preheat on medium low, I use the Flat Top Griddle. When the Griddle is heated add your batter. You can make the Cakes any size you want from half-dollar size to regular pancake size cakes. After the bottom side turns golden brown flip over and let the other side get golden brown. To serve I placed mine on a plate and topped it with my 3 Bean Chili and Shredded Cheese. And now it’s Comfort Food Heaven! Chili and Cornbread are meant to be together! For Dessert later a Jello Sugar Free Dark Chocolate Pudding.

3 Bean Turkey Chili

Ingredients
2 – 1 lb. package Jennie – O Extra Lean Ground Turkey Breast
2 Cans (6 oz.) Hunt’s Tomato Paste
1 Can (16 oz.) Bush’s Chili Beans (Red Beans)
1 Can (16 oz.) Bush’s Chili Beans ( Kidney Beans)
1 Can (16 oz.) Bush’s Chili Beans (Great Northern Beans), drained and rinsed
1 Packet McCormick Chili Mix
1/2 Red Onion (medium), Chopped or Minced
1 Jalapeno Pepper, Unseeded and Chopped
4 Cloves Minced Garlic
4 Cloves Minced Garlic
2 Tsps Ground Anchio Chile Pepper
2 Tsps Ground Paprika
1 Tbs. Ground Chile Seasoning
2 Tbs. Ground Roasted Cumin
1 Tsps Ground Cinnamon
1 Tbs of Cilantro Leaves
5 Dashes of Frank’s Hot Sauce or to taste.
1/2 Cup of Water
Shredded Cheese, I like to use Grated Dutch Gouda or Sargento Reduced Fat Shredded Cheddar Cheese (Topping)
Oyster Crackers
Frank’s Hot Sauce or to taste.

Directions:
*Brown Turkey in large saucepan on medium-high heat 10 min. or until no longer pink, stirring occasionally. Add all remaining spices and ingredients except 1 can of the tomato paste and water.
*ADD to slow cooker and add in the remaining 1 can of tomato paste and 1/2 cup of water.
*COVER with lid. Cook on HIGH 3 to 4 hours (or on LOW 5 to 6 hours).

*Serve in bowl or mug with cheese and oyster crackers, A Tablespoon of fat-free sour cream, Chopped Onions, or serve with some home made cornbread.

Johnny Cakes (My way)

Ingredients:
Pam w/ Olive Oil Non – Stick Spray
1/4 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 3/4 cups Buttermilk
2 cups Martha White Self Rising Enriched White Corn Meal Mix

Directions:
Just mix all your ingredients in a large bowl.
Spray your Pam on a Flat Griddle or large Skillet and preheat on medium low, I use the Flat Griddle.
When the Griddle is heated add your batter. You can make the Cakes any size you want from half-dollar size to regular pancake size cakes. After the bottom side turns golden brown flip over and let the other side get golden brown. Serve while warm and enjoy!