High-Protein, High-Fiber Turkey Chili Recipe Has a Puerto Rican Twist (30 Minutes) by Elisa Schmitz
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If you ask me, chili is one of the greatest dishes ever created. Thought to have been invented by immigrants from the Canary Islands who moved to San Antonio, Texas, chili is definitely a Tex-Mex treasure that's now revered globally. While chili's Latin flair cannot be denied, it's definitely not a Puerto Rican specialty (growing up, my Puerto Rican mother never made chili). So, when I stumbled upon a recipe for chili that used one of mi madre's favorite Puerto Rican spice blends, Sazón, I had to make my own version of chili with Sazón.
This hearty high-fiber and high-protein turkey chili recipe definitely has a Puerto Rican twist, thanks to the Sazón seasoning and the zucchini. Sazón is a staple in Puerto Rican cooking. In an article on TODAY.com, Puerto Rican food writer and cook Illyanna Maisonet explains its allure: "Although the word for 'flavor' in Spanish is 'sabor,' most Puerto Ricans use the word 'sazón.' Even some people from other Latin backgrounds use the word sazón for flavor. Sazón creates the flavor – and the color – that most can easily identify as Puerto Rican food. Sazón means identity, history, comfort and (the) familiar."
In addition to the savory Sazón, this "chili" recipe includes zucchini, which adds a touch of sweetness to balance the spice. I'm sure the chili purists out there will say this recipe is not really chili at all (it's not really taco soup, either), which is fair, but I'm not sure what else to call it (except yummy)!
This unusual chili recipe includes lean ground turkey and kidney beans for protein, and fresh zucchini, onions and bell peppers, which are loaded with nutrients. Bell peppers contain a lot of vitamin C, an essential nutrient that helps the body repair tissues and heal wounds, among their other health benefits of peppers.
Your shopping list for this tasty gluten-free recipe also includes extra virgin olive oil, garlic, diced tomatoes, chili powder and chicken bouillon. You put all the ingredients together and simmer until done. Such an easy, delicious dinner, especially when you serve it with your favorite chili toppings!
Cooking Tip: Sazón Goya is probably the most well-known brand of Sazón. I grew up eating it and it’s delicious. But I discovered an organic version, made by Loisa, that I’m using now. Loisa Sazón is vegan, gluten-free and non-GMO (with no MSG, which Goya’s version contains), but still has the taste and flavor I love.
Cuisine: Tex-Mex / Puerto Rican
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 cup green bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup onion, diced
- 1 cup zucchini, sliced
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 pound lean ground turkey
- 15 ounces (1 can) diced tomatoes, with liquid
- 15 ounces (1 can) dark red kidney beans, with liquid
- 2 teaspoons Sazón seasoning
- 1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons chicken bouillon powder
Optional Toppings
- sour cream
- shredded cheese
- guacamole
Here’s how to make it:
- In a large sauté pan with sides or soup pot over medium heat, add the olive oil, garlic, onions and peppers. Stir to combine.
- Add the ground turkey and sauté with the vegetables until browned, about 8 minutes. (I used ground turkey in this recipe because it’s leaner, but you also can use ground beef. I peeled my zucchini but unpeeled is fine, too.)
- Add the tomatoes, beans, Sazón, chili powder and chicken bouillon. Stir to combine. Simmer for about 12 minutes or until cooked through. (You can add more or less chili powder and Sazón, to taste. For even more spice, add some crushed red pepper flakes, if desired.)
- Serve on its own or over rice or pasta, or with tortilla chips on the side. Top with sour cream, shredded cheese, guacamole or your favorite chili toppings. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat in the microwave.
Recipe cooking times, nutritional information and servings are approximate and provided for your convenience. However, 30Seconds is not responsible for the outcome of any recipe, nor may you have the same results because of variations in ingredients, temperatures, altitude, errors, omissions or cooking/baking abilities. Any nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and it is up to the individual to ascertain accuracy. To ensure image quality, we may occasionally use stock photography.
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