Turkey Chili With Whole Wheat Orzo

This recipe was featured in an email this morning from the www.recipe4living.com website. Posted by hmarshak. "Make a healthy and hearty chili with ground turkey. I like to add pasta to my chili and this whole wheat orzo makes the perfect addition!"

• Ready In: 1 hr 40 mins
• Serves: 4-6
• Yields: 4-6 bowls of chili

Ingredients

• 2  tablespoons olive oil
• 1  lb ground turkey
• 1⁄2 onion, chopped
• 4  garlic cloves, chopped
• 1 (6 ounce)  beer, of your choice (I used Goose Island Nut Brown Ale)
• 1 (4 ounce) can diced green chilies
• 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes, including the juice
• 1 (15 ounce) can chili beans
• 1 (16 ounce) can  red beans
• 1 (16 ounce) can vegetarian baked beans
• 4  tablespoons chili powder (or more)
• 3  teaspoons oregano
• 1⁄2 teaspoon  salt and pepper
• 1  teaspoon garlic powder
• 1  teaspoon paprika
• 1  teaspoon  red chili pepper flakes (optional)
• 1  tablespoon honey
• 1 (9 ounce) package  whole wheat orzo

Directions

1. Heat olive oil in saute pan. Chop onion and garlic and add to pan. Brown ground turkey in oil with onions and garlic. When cooked, drain turkey and add (with onions and garlic) to 3 quart pot.
2. Pour in tomatoes, tomato paste, two cans of beans, diced green chilies, honey and half of your beer. Season with oregano, garlic powder, paprika, red chili flakes and chili powder to your taste (see recommended amounts above). Keep tasting to see if it needs more of an ingredient. Let simmer for 60-90 minutes. Before it's done simmering, cook whole wheat orzo in boiling water. Drain and add to chili in final minutes of cooking. Serve with pita chips and beer.
3. Note: If making ahead of time, add 2 cans of beans during cooking and save 1 can for later when you warm it back up in a saucepan.