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
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
1–2 tsp Mexican chili powder (adjust for spice level)
1/2 tsp white pepper
Salt, to taste
1/2 lime, juiced
1–2 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