Nothing Says Comfort Like Mom's Chili

Homemade turkey chili and cornbread

Nothing says comfort food like a piping hot bowl of chili on a cold day, especially when it is made by your mother (with help from dad). Chili has become a staple in our family. In recent years it seems that lean ground turkey has replaced beef - how telling of the times. This meal is not only good for the soul, but for the body too!

My mom loves spicy food, so we never know how hot she's made it until our first spoonful. If she's used restraint we're fine, if not then a couple of us will be running to the kitchen for the jug of milk! While we often serve our chili with a nice pot of rice, I am partial to a pan of homemade cornbread. It is surprisingly easy to whip up, and can be on the table in 30 min. I used a simple recipe on the back of the cornmeal bag - tweaking the temperature to compensate for a glass pan (oh the things my mother has taught me).

Sauteing the bell pepper, onion, and garlic.

Turkey Chili with Kidney Beans

1 lb ground lean turkey meat

1 onion, chopped

1 bell pepper, chopped

4-6 cloves garlic

3 tablespoons canola oil

1 16 oz can kidney beans

1 32 oz can stewed tomatoes

1 can tomato paste

3 tablespoons chili powder

1 tablespoon paprika

1-2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

salt and pepper to taste

Heat oil in large pot on stove top at medium high. Saute onion and bell pepper for 8 minutes or until soft. Add garlic and saute for another 2 minutes. Pour vegetable mixture into separate bowl. Add a little oil to coat pan. Add turkey meat to pot, breaking apart with spoon. Cook until browned. Add vegetable mixture back to pot. Add tomatoes, kidney beans, paste, and spices. Bring to a boil, and then cover, reducing to a simmer. Cook for 10 more minutes. Serve with warm cornbread or rice.

Pouring the batter into the pan.

Cornbread

1 cup flour

1/4 cup sugar

1 tsp salt

3 tsp baking powder

1 egg

1 cup milk

1/4 cup canola oil

Mix flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder in bowl. Add egg, milk, and oil. Mix just until combined. Pour into 9x9x2 glass pan. Bake at 375 for 20-25 minutes.