#25 Jalapeno Turkey and Beans Chili

Who invented Chili? Chili or Chili Con Carne has its origins in the Southwest and although there are different theories about its oriigin....it may have come from the large beef producing state of Texas. A
variation on the theory states that cowboys may have started making chili while driving cattle. There are many stories about the dish but one says that cooks planted oregano, chilis, onions and tomatoes
along patches of mesquite to protect them from cattle and the next time they passed the same trail, they would collect the produce, combine them with beef and make a dish called "Trail drive chili". It
sounds absurd, but I like fairytales and would like to imagine this happened.

No matter what the history, chili is a wonderful choice as a wintertime meal along with Corn bread, doritos or breadsticks. It can be a great meal for large gatherings and office potlucks. I personally do not like the Cincinnati version of the chilli concoction served on top of a pile of spaghetti, but I do love chili dogs. I prefer to make the Turkey version adding black beans to thicken it up.

Ingredients:
Ground Turkey- 1 1/4 lbs
Onion Chopped-1 large
Green Bell Pepper- 1/2 chopped
Garlic chopped- 4 cloves
Jalapeno chopped-1 or 2
Celery Stick chopped- 1
Coriander powder-1 tbpsn
Cumin powder-1/2 tspn
Chicken or Vegetable Broth or Water- 2 -15 oz cans
Orange Juice- 3.5 oz
Worcestershire Sauce- 1 Tblspn
Crushed Tomatoes with Basil- 1- 28 oz can
Bay Leaf-1
Oregano- 1 Tblspn
Black Beans- 2-15 oz cans
Salt and Pepper to taste.
Oil as needed.
Chardonnay or Red Wine- 1/4 cup (optional)

Method:
1. In a skillet crumble up the turkey and add salt and pepper, onions and bay leaf and saute until water is evaporated.
2. Add some oil and brown the turkey lightly to add flavor. If you like thick soup add 1 Tblspn flour and stir well.
3. Add green pepper, celery and saute well and remove from fire.
4. Drain and wash the liquid from the canned beans.
5.To a slow cooker, add the turkey mixture, black beans, and the rest of the ingredients.
6. Mix well and slow cook for about 3- 4 hours depending on the heat of your slow cooker. Additional salt may be needed at this time.
7.When the Chili is thick and stewy remove and serve with sour cream, chopped onions, parsley or cheese on top.