Saturday, January 28, 2012

New year, better choices

The new year is bringing some big changes in my life. My daughter is getting married in March. This has strengthened my commitment to health. Sure I want to look good at her wedding, but more importantly, I want to feel good and be able to handle all the stress with grace. So to help me with this I will be making one of my favorite recipes, Turkey and Pinto Bean Chili. This recipe is delicious and healthy. Good quality protein and an abundance of vegetables make it a good choice for all of us looking to improve our health. Enjoy!

Turkey and pinto bean chili
1 large onion, chopped
2 medium red bell peppers chopped
6 garlic cloves chopped
2 pkgs ground turkey (2-3 lbs total)
3 tbsp chili powder
2 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
2 tsp dried oregano
6 cups cooked pinto beans or 3 -15oz cans pinto beans
1 – 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
Extra-virgin olive oil
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In a large heavy pot, saute onion, bell peppers and garlic in oil over high heat until they soften. Add turkey and cook, breaking into small pieces, until no longer pink. Add chili powder, cayenne, cumin and oregano and stir until mixed into meat well. Stir in beans and tomatoes and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered until chili thickens, stirring occasionally, about 1 ½ hours. Season with sea salt to taste.