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Turkey Chili with Coconut Milk

Turkey and Coconut Milk Chili


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4.8 from 5 reviews

  • Author: Danielle Marullo
  • Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4-6 1x

Description

This deliciously hearty Thai-Mexican crossover, with turkey, coconut milk, lime and chili, is proof that fusion cooking is still alive and very much kicking.


Ingredients

Units Scale

1 lb (450g) ground turkey meat

3 tbsp (45ml) olive oil

1 medium onion, chopped finely

2 bay leaves

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 cups (475ml) chicken stock

1/2 green or red bell pepper, diced finely

1/2 fresh jalapeño, chopped (optional, for extra heat)

1 cup (240g) red kidney beans (canned, drained and rinsed)

1 cup (240g) white beans (canned, drained and rinsed)

2 cups (475ml) canned coconut milk

12 tsp Mexican chili powder (adjust for spice level)

1/2 tsp white pepper

Salt, to taste

1/2 lime, juiced

12 tsp fresh cilantro, chopped

Sliced jalapeño, for garnish

Mexican shredded cheese, for garnish

Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt, for garnish


Instructions

1. Sauté the Aromatics:
  • Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
  • Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, until softened and translucent.
  • Stir in the bay leaves and minced garlic, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
2. Cook the Ground Turkey:
  • Add the ground turkey to the pot. Break it up with a spatula and cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until the meat is browned and cooked through.
  • Season the turkey with Mexican chili powder, white pepper, and a pinch of salt. Stir to coat the meat evenly with the spices.
3. Add Vegetables and Stock:
  • Toss in the diced bell pepper and chopped jalapeño, and continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes until slightly softened.
  • Pour in the chicken stock, stirring to combine with the turkey mixture.
  • Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Add Beans and Coconut Milk:
  • Stir in the drained red kidney beans and white beans.
  • Add the coconut milk, stirring well to incorporate the creamy base into the chili.
  • Simmer the chili for another 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. The mixture should thicken slightly as it cooks.
5. Finish and Garnish:
  • Remove the pot from the heat.
  • Stir in the juice of half a lime and chopped fresh cilantro for brightness.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, if needed.
6. Serve:
  • Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with sliced jalapeños, shredded Mexican cheese, and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt.
  • Serve hot, and enjoy!

Notes

Adjusting Spice Level: The chopped jalapeño adds a kick to the chili. Adjust the amount of chili powder or leave out the jalapeño if you prefer a milder flavor.

Coconut Milk Consistency: Full-fat coconut milk will give a richer, creamier texture to the chili. If you’d prefer a lighter version, you can use light coconut milk, though the consistency will be thinner.

Beans Substitution: Feel free to substitute with black beans or chickpeas if you prefer other types of beans.

Make Ahead: This chili can be made a day in advance and reheated. The flavors will deepen as it sits, making it even tastier.

  • Prep Time: 25 mins
  • Cook Time: 60 mins
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Stove Top
  • Cuisine: Thai Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 1/2 Cups
  • Calories: 425
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 27g
  • Saturated Fat: 14g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 26g
  • Fiber: 7g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 65mg