Sweet & Spicy Turkey Chili

Sweet and Spicy Turkey Chili: A Fusion of Heat and Sweetness

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Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 45 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Serves: 6-8

In the realm of comfort foods, few dishes can rival the allure of a hearty bowl of chili. But what if we told you that we've elevated this beloved classic into a realm where the vibrant notes of the Caribbean and the soulful flavors of the South converge? Prepare to be enchanted by our Sweet and Spicy Turkey Chili—a culinary masterpiece that dances on the palate with a perfect balance of heat and sweetness.

Ingredients:

For the Sweet and Spicy Seasoned Ground Turkey:

• 1 lb ground turkey

• ½ teaspoon seasoned salt

• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper

• 1/4 teaspoon chili powder

• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon brown sugar

For the Chili:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 sweet onion, chopped

• 1 habanero pepper, finely chopped

• 1 red bell pepper, diced

• 1 orange bell pepper, diced

• 1 yellow bell pepper, diced

• 2 tablespoons chili garlic sauce

• 1 teaspoon seasoned salt

• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

• 1 teaspoon chili powder

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar

• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes

• 15 oz can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed

• 6 oz can tomato paste

• 14.5 oz can fire-roasted tomatoes

• 15 oz can tomato sauce

• Handful of fresh basil, chopped

Instructions:

Prepare the Sweet and Spicy Seasoned Ground Turkey:

1. In a bowl, combine the ground turkey, seasoned salt, cayenne pepper, chili powder, onion powder, black pepper, and brown sugar. Mix well to evenly distribute the seasonings.

2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the seasoned ground turkey mixture and cook until fully browned and cooked through. Break up the turkey into crumbles as it cooks. Set aside.

Prepare the Chili:

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped sweet onion and sauté until translucent and slightly caramelized.

2. Stir in the finely chopped habanero pepper, diced red, orange, and yellow bell peppers. Sauté for a few minutes until the peppers begin to soften.

3. Add the chili garlic sauce, seasoned salt, cayenne pepper, chili powder, onion powder, black pepper, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes to the pot. Mix well to coat the vegetables with the seasonings.

4. Add the drained and rinsed red kidney beans, tomato paste, fire-roasted tomatoes, and tomato sauce to the pot. Stir to combine all the ingredients.

5. Gently fold in the cooked sweet and spicy seasoned ground turkey into the pot.

6. Add water to the pot as needed to achieve your desired chili consistency. Simmer the chili over low heat for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

7. Just before serving, stir in the chopped fresh basil to infuse a vibrant aroma.

Serve and Savor the Fusion:

Ladle the Sweet and Spicy Turkey Chili into bowls, and marvel at the symphony of colors and flavors that greet your senses. Each spoonful is a dynamic fusion of the gentle sweetness from ripe peppers and brown sugar, balanced by the exhilarating heat of cayenne pepper and chili garlic sauce. The seasoned ground turkey brings a rich and savory depth to every bite, while the aromatic basil adds a refreshing note. This isn't just chili; it's a culinary journey that takes you from sweet to heat in one delightful spoonful.