Spotlight on Turkey

Eating Healthy

• One good thing about the nutritional value of turkey is that it is very low in fat and high in protein.
• It is also a good source of iron, zinc, phosphorus, potassium and B vitamins.
• Turkey is also naturally low in sodium. It typically contains less than 25 milligrams (mg) of sodium per ounce on average.
• The meat fiber in turkey is easier to digest than other types of meat, so that makes turkey a good choice for individuals that have digestion problems.

Recipe: Turkey Chili

• 2 cups chopped onion
• 4 garlic cloves, chopped fine
• 1 cup chopped green pepper
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 (35 oz.) cans stewed tomatoes, crushed
• 2 (15 oz.) cans kidney beans, drained
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• ¾ cup chicken or turkey stock
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon dried hot red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon salt, plus more if desired to taste
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 3 to 4 cups shredded, cooked turkey meat
• Sugar
• Shredded cheddar cheese, chopped red onion, sour cream for optional garnishes

In a large, 8-quart thick bottom pot, cook the onion and green pepper over medium heat, stirring until golden, about 5 minutes.  Add the garlic, chili powder, cumin, and red pepper flakes, and cook, stirring, for a minute or two more.  Add a bit more olive oil if needed.  Add tomatoes, tomato paste, stock, beans, oregano, salt, pepper and cooked turkey meat.  Bring mixture to a simmer and reduce heat to low.  Simmer, uncovered for an hour.

Salt to taste.  Add 1 to 3 tablespoons of sugar to take the edge off the acidity of the tomatoes, if desired.

Serve with shredded cheddar cheese, chopped red onion or sour cream.  Serve alone, over rice or with corn bread.