Hearty Ground Turkey Chili

Dr. Jenny's Note:

DH and I enjoyed this hearty chili from Norman Kolpas' "The Chili Cookbook." While the recipe calls for masa harina, I think I would omit it next time as the chili really did not need extra thickening and I think it detracted from the flavor just a bit. Also, DH and I ate this chili in a bowl, we did not serve it over rice. It lent itself well to this method. I used baby bellas for the mushrooms. Finally, we sprinked colby jack (I think that was what I had in the fridge) shredded cheese over the top, which I think is a must. Cheddar or a mexican blend of cheeses would also be good.

• Total Time: 1 hrs 57 mins
• Prep Time: 12 mins
• Cook Time: 1 hrs 45 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 4

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 medium onions , finely chopped
• 2 medium garlic cloves , finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon hot paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried red chili pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 lb ground turkey
• ¼ lb mushroom , coarsely chopped
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup dry red wine
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano leaves
• 2 teaspoons dried leaf basil
• 2 teaspoons dried savory
• ½ teaspoon dried leaf thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 tablespoons masa harina
• steamed rice , for serving (or robust boiled beans)

Directions:

1. In a large saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Add onions, garlic, paprika, chile flakes, cumin and coriander and saute 2 to 3 minutes.
2. Add turkey and mushrooms, increase heat to high and saute until turkey is no longer pink, 7 to 10 minutes, stirring to break meat into rough chunks.
3. Stir in remaining ingredients except masa and steamed rice.
4. Bring to a boil, reduce heat slightly and simmer briskly, stirring occasionally, until mixture is fairly thick but still slightly liquid, about 1 1/4 hours.
5. Sprinkle in masa, stir and simmer until thick, about 15 minutes more.
6. Discard bay leaves.
7. Serve over rice or robust boiled beans.