Healthy Tasty Zesty Chili

Yes folks, it's that time again it's AUTUMN!!! I love the Fall the only thing I don't like about Autumn is that it means Winter must follow. I don't care for wintertime, I guess I would enjoy winter a lot more if I didn't have to trudge out in the elements to try to get to a 9-5 everyday. Okay I'm soooooo far off of the subject. LOL!!!

Autumn means we can start making soups, stews and chili. I think you are really gonna like this recipe, it's low fat and high fiber. I'm really on a fiber kick as of lately, I think it's because I've finally learned about all of the benefits it has for our bodies. Anywho, this recipe has TONS of flavor a little heat for a kick and no guilt. I serve it over brown rice for a added benefit. When you guys try it let me know how it turned out for you.

1-2 lbs. of ground turkey (the leanest you can find, I used 93/7)

2 Tbls. of olive oil

1- 28 oz. can of Whole plum tomatoes

1- 15.5 oz. can of kidney beans (drained and rinsed)

1 medium onion (diced)

8 cloves of garlic (chopped)

1 Tbls. of Honey

1- 4 oz. can of tomato paste

2 tbls chili powder

1 tbls chili paste

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp onion powder

salt and pepper to taste

1 tsp crushed red pepper

2 tbls worcestershire sauce

2 Bay leaves

Add one tbls. of olive oil to a large heated pot (medium-low) heat. Add the onion, stir and saute until onions appear translucent, add the garlic, turn the heat down to low. Saute the garlic and onions for 2 minutes more. Remove the onion/garlic mixture and place separate bowl.

Add the remaining olive oil to the pot and add the ground turkey, turn the heat back up to medium-low. Add the chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, crushed red pepper, and salt and pepper. Cook the ground turkey until done. Add the Worcestershire sauce, chili paste, tomato paste, honey, sauteed onion/garlic mixture, bay leaves and canned tomatoes including juice. Use the back of your spoon to break up the tomatoes. Place a lid on the pot and reduce heat to low to simmer, keep an eye on it and stir frequently. Simmer for 20-30 minutes or until the liquids reduce and you end up with a thick chili. Add the kidney beans and stir allow to simmer for an addition 10-15 minutes. Remove the bay leaves and serve over brown rice, get ready for the flavor explosion. lol. Enjoy!

BTW- If you are not able to find the chili paste in your local supermarket you may want to try an asian food market or you can omit all together. But its sooooo worth it so you may want to track some down. I love chili paste in my soy sauce for dipping with dumplings. It has multiple uses, so at least you won't purchase it and it's hanging out in your refrigerator and only used for one recipe. I hate that! :-) Speaking of which I have an awesome Asian Dumpling recipe that I will be sharing with you. Look forward to that post.

Coming soon:

DIVA'S FAVORITE TREATS: In an effort to eat healthier I have found out that I need to have healthy snacks or treats to help me between meals. Beyond the regular fruit and veggies, which are great, but sometimes you just need a little more or just something different to add to the mix. Look out for it!

-Diva