Autumn Turkey Chili

Chef mariajane's Note:

Chase away autumn's damp, cool and unpredictable weather with a hearty bowl of turkey chili. Cooked on low for 8-10 hours in the slow cooker, it's ready for ravenous appetites when suppertime rolls around.

• Total Time: 4 hrs
• Prep Time: 0 mins
• Cook Time: 4 hrs

Ingredients:

Servings: 8

• 1 onion , chopped
• 1 carrot , chopped
• 1 celery , chopped
• 2 cups apples , diced
• 2 cups butternut squash , diced
• 4 garlic cloves , finely chopped
• 1 lb ground turkey , cooked
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon fresh ground pepper
• 1 (10 ounce) can undiluted chicken broth
• 1 (15 ounce) can light coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup black beans , drained and rinsed
• coconut flakes and cilantro , for garnish

Directions:

1. Combine all ingredients (except garnishes) in slow cooler. Cook on high for 4-6 hours or on low for 8-10 hours.
2. Serve with rice or mashed potatoes.
3. TIPS: Use 4 cups diced cooked turkey or chicken in place of ground turkey.
4. Open lid for last 45 minutes of cooking to thicken, if desired. Mash the squash with the back of a wooden spoon to thicken further.