Weeknight Turkey Chili with Couscous

Kick up the spice level in your weeknight dinners with a healthy chili recipe everyone will love. This recipe cuts fat content by using turkey instead of beef as the main protein. It also has a higher spice level because of the Serrano pepper and spices. So if you like a chili that’s more mild, I’d suggest removing the Serrano pepper and starting lighter with the spices, adding more in until you’ve reached your preferred spice level.

Normally, chili is paired with cornbread or just a nice crusty loaf but for a little extra heartiness, couscous makes an excellent bed for chili. It’s mild so there are no conflicting flavors and it’s light enough to not make you feel bloated afterwards. I prefer a little sour cream and cheddar or Monterrey Jack cheese on top of my chili but add whatever garnishes to the top that you prefer.

Weeknight Turkey Chili with Couscous
Ingredients:
1 tbsp. Canola or Vegetable Oil
1 Green Bell Pepper, seeded and diced
1 Red Bell Pepper, seeded and diced
1 Serrano Pepper, seeded and diced
1 lb. Ground Turkey
1 small Yellow Onion, diced
2-3 Garlic Cloves, minced
1 tsp. Cumin
1 tsp. Paprika
1-2 tbsp. Chili Powder
1 tsp. Cayenne Pepper
14 ounces Black or Red Kidney Beans, rinsed and drained
14 ounces Diced Tomatoes with Green Chiles or Chili-Ready Diced Tomatoes
2-4 cups Chicken or Turkey Stock
2.5 cups Couscous, cooked
Salt & Pepper

Directions:
1. To a large pot over medium-high heat, add the oil. When the oil is hot, add the peppers, onion, garlic and turkey. Give them a quick stir and add the cumin, paprika, chili powder, cayenne pepper, salt and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently and break up the ground turkey as you go.

2. Once the turkey is cooked through, add the beans and tomatoes. Give the pot a quick stir and add the stock. Bring to a boil, turn the heat to low and let simmer about 15-20 minutes.

3. While the chili simmers, cook your couscous according to the package directions. Make a bed for the chili in the bowl with the couscous, add a hearty spoonful of chili on top with any garnishes you prefer. Serve!

What’s a hearty weeknight meal that you like to make that doesn’t break the calorie bank?