Turkey and Sweet Potato Chili

Sweet, hearty and delicious, this chili is sure to please the entire family.  

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons canola oil
• 1/2 pound turkey sausage, casings removed
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
• 3 sweet potatoes, chopped into small pieces
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 14.5-ounce can diced fire-roasted tomatoes, undrained
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup water
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 15-ounce can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• Additional salt and pepper to taste

Preparation

1. Warm oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add sausage; break up any large chunks and sauté until no pink remains. Using a slotted spoon, transfer meat to a bowl; cover. Add onion, bell pepper and sweet potato to pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 6 minutes. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Return meat to pot.
2. Stir in tomatoes, beans, broth, water, spices and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and stir in beans. Cover and simmer until chili thickens slightly, about 30 minutes. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.

Serving Suggestion

Sweet potatoes are a tasty way to add important nutrients to your diet like Vitamin A, fiber and even protein. Substitute your favorite sausage, ground meat or meatless alternative if you prefer. Have fun topping the chili; try a spoon of plain yogurt, cilantro, diced avocado or tortilla chips—you can't go wrong!

Reprinted by permission from StrongerTogether.coop. Find articles about your food and where it comes from, recipes and a whole lot more at www.strongertogether.coop

Thanksgiving Leftovers: Wild Rice Soup with Turkey

Perfect for fall weather, simple to make and a delicious way to use up leftover turkey. For a vegetarian version, substitute seitan for the turkey and vegetable stock for the chicken broth.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup Spanish onion, finely chopped
• 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) butter
• 1/4 cup flour
• 4 cups chicken stock
• 2 cups cooked wild rice, medium grain
• 1/2 cup carrots, grated
• 1 cup cooked turkey, shredded or chopped
• 1/4 cup almonds, slivered
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup milk or half and half

Preparation

1. In a large saucepan, melt better over medium heat. Saute onion 5-10 minutes, until soft.
2. Add flour and stir, then gradually whisk in stock to prevent lumps.
3. Add wild rice, carrots, turkey, almonds, and salt, and simmer 5 minutes.
4. Add milk or half and half and heat through.

Thanksgiving Leftovers: Turkey Hash

What to do with Thanksgiving meal leftovers? This turkey hash is perfect for any meal of the day. For a vegetarian version, simply skip the turkey or substitute it with veggie leftovers.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 1⁄2 cups diced roast turkey
• 1 cup diced onion
• 1 cup diced red pepper
• 1 cup diced boiled or roasted potatoes
• 1 cup diced cooked butternut squash
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Pinch of cayenne pepper
• 2 tablespoons water
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation

In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Sauté the onions and peppers for 6-8 minutes until they begin to soften. Add the spices and sauté for another minute. Add the potatoes, squash and turkey. Adjust the heat under the skillet to very hot. Slightly mash the mixture in the skillet and let it brown for several minutes before stirring. Slightly mash the mixture again, and let sit for another few minutes to continue browning thoroughly. Add the water and scrape the brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Cook another minute until the water is absorbed. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Serving Suggestion

What a great way to use up your Thanksgiving meal leftovers! Serve the hash with fried eggs and smothered with turkey or mushroom gravy. Not a turkey lover? Make a vegetarian version using just leftover veggies.