Weeknight Turkey Chili and Garlic Toast

Winter is the time to enjoy warm comfort foods. This chili recipe is great for the winter season. Not only is it warm, but instead of using beef, I've lightened up and used turkey instead. Along with some spices, sliced grape tomatoes, kidney and black beans. With some garlic toast on the side.

Turkey Chili

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil


• 1 pound ground turkey


• 1 teaspoon chili powder


• 1/2 teaspoon paprika


• 1/4 teaspoon cumin


• 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt


• 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper


• 1 tub grape tomatoes, sliced in half


• 1 can kidney beans


• 1 can black beans, half drained


• 1 cup shredded cheddar or mexican blend cheese

Directions:

Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large pot on stove top. Mix the turkey and spices together in a large bowl. Place in the olive oil and cook till browned (8-10 minutes), on medium high heat.

Pour in the kidney beans, black beans, and the tomato halves. Bring to a slight boil over medium heat, then simmer.

Use a ladle to fill a bowl, sprinkle some cheese on top, and enjoy.

Garlic Bread

Ingredients:

6 slices of sandiwch bread

6 teaspoons of butter

Garlic salt for sprinkling

Directions:

Turn oven to broil. Spread butter on bread slices, place on a cookie sheet, and sprinkle garlic salt on top. Broil until slightly browned (2-3 minutes),

Variations

Like all food, this can be added to. For more tomato, add half a can of stewed tomatoes or a couple of tablespoons of tomato sauce or paste. Before cooking the turkey, add some chopped celery and onion to the olive oil. Season with salt and pepper and let cook till softened. Then follow the turkey chili directions.

For something different, add 1/2 to 1 cup salsa to the recipe, some cut up avocado, and serve with some sour cream or tortilla chips (a personal favorite, is peach salsa. It goes really well with the turkey, and I found my jar at "All Things Savannah" in Savannah, Georgia).

This is just another great winter comfort food that can be enjoyed all season long. It's easy, little prep time, and no fuss to cook. Perfect for busy families.