Turkey Chili with Turmeric
This Turkey Chili with Turmeric brings a lighter, yet still deeply satisfying, alternative to traditional beef chili. You might be wondering why turmeric is making an appearance in this chili, and the answer is simple- its warm, earthy flavor.
Why Add Turmeric to Chili?
Turmeric is known for its earthy, slightly peppery flavor and its vibrant color. It pairs beautifully with the savory flavors of turkey and white beans, adding depth without overpowering the dish.
It pairs well with smoky and savory ingredients like cumin, paprika, and beans, and helps deepen the overall flavor profile. Its golden hue also gives the chili a rich, inviting color, making the dish as visually appealing as it is delicious.
Why this Chili with Turmeric Recipe is Unique
I love a good, hearty beef chili. It’s a classic comfort food for our family.
However, sometimes I just feel the need for a lighter version. I decided to try using turkey in place of ground beef or ground venison, as those two proteins are what I usually use.
I also wanted to pair a few different spices together. This chili with turmeric recipe has the traditional spices like chili powder and cumin. But, I also wanted to experiment while I was trying something new. I had quite a bit of poultry seasoning in my pantry that I needed to use up. I don’t use it often, except around the holidays when I make my cornbread dressing.
Poultry seasoning is a savory blend of herbs. It typically includes sage, thyme, marjoram, rosemary, pepper, and sometimes nutmeg, parsley, or basil. This seasoning offers a warm, aromatic flavor. I thought it would be the perfect addition to enhance this turkey chili with turmeric!
What You Will Need to Make Chili with Turmeric
The full list of ingredients is included on the recipe card below.
You will need the following ingredients:
- Ground Turkey
- Onion- Yellow onion cooks up nicely in this recipe but you could also use white onion.
- Poblano Pepper- Poblano peppers are a mild chili pepper. When roasted or cooked, they develop a delicious smoky-sweet flavor!
- Jalapeno Pepper- One seeded jalapeno pepper is what I used. But if you like spice a little more, feel free to add more chopped jalapeno or leave the seeds in.
- Garlic- You’ll need 5 cloves of garlic. Preferably fresh garlic cloves for the best flavor.
- Poultry Seasoning- Poultry seasoning is a savory blend of herbs that is commonly used to flavor poultry.You can find it in the seasoning aisle of the grocery store.
- Chili Powder- Add more or less for your preference.
- Paprika- This recipe uses smoked paprika, but feel free to use regular paprika if that’s what you have on hand. The smoky flavor adds a nice touch to the soup, though!
- Cumin
- Turmeric- You’ll want to use ground turmeric for this recipe, not turmeric root.
- Beans- Cannellini beans are white beans that have a nice creamy consistency. They tend to hold up well in soups. You could also use Great Northern Beans or Navy Beans if you prefer.
- Chicken Stock- While chicken stock is the preferred choice for this recipe, you can substitute chicken broth if needed.
- Olive oil- Just a little bit to cook with the lean turkey, to keep it from sticking to the pot. You could replace this with any other neutral oil that you prefer.
- Salt & Pepper
Tools & Supplies You’ll Need
Dutch ove
This recipe will make a large pot of chili. I used my 6-quart Lodge Dutch Oven, but any large pot that you have will work!
Knife/ Chopper
I recently started using this AWESOME chopper. It saves so much time and makes chopping a breeze!
Liquid Measuring cup
Use a measuring cup specifically for measuring liquid ingredients for the most accurate measurements.
Measuring Cups & spoons
You will need measuring cups and spoons to measure out the spices and the chopped veggies.
Turkey Chili with Turmeric Recipe Instructions & Process Photos
Step 1:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground turkey, breaking it into pieces with a utensil. Season with salt and pepper and continue cooking over medium heat for 5-7 minutes.
Step 2:
When the ground turkey is almost cooked through, add in the onion, garlic, poblano pepper, and jalapeno pepper.
Step 3-4:
Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the turkey is cooked through and the vegetables start to soften.
Step 5:
Add the poultry seasoning, chili powder, ground cumin, and turmeric. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until the spices become fragrant.
Pour in one cup of chicken stock and scrape the bottom of the pan, to loosen any bits that may have stuck to the pan.
Step 6:
Add beans, cilantro, and the remaining chicken stock to the pot. Stir to combine. Bring to a boil.
Step 7:
Reduce heat to a simmer and cover the pot with a lid. Simmer on low heat for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 8:
Just before serving, whisk in the sour cream.
F.A.Q’s
Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Yes, ground chicken is a great alternative and works just as well in this recipe.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes! Sauté the turkey, onion, garlic, jalapeno, and poblano peppers first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours. Add the sour cream just before serving.
What toppings go well with this recipe?
Popular toppings include shredded cheese, sour cream, fresh cilantro, diced avocado, or a squeeze of lime juice.
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Turkey Chili with Turmeric
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground turkey
- 1 medium yellow onion diced
- 2 large poblano peppers seeded and diced (about 1 cup)
- 1 jalapeno seeded and diced
- 5 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon poultry seasoning
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons sea salt
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 ½ teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro chopped
- 3 15 oz cans cannellini beans drained and rinsed
- ½ cup sour cream
- 6 cups chicken stock
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground turkey, breaking it into pieces with a utensil. Season with salt and pepper and continue cooking over medium heat for 5-7 minutes.
- When the ground turkey is almost cooked through, add in the onion, garlic, poblano pepper, and jalapeno pepper. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the turkey is cooked through, and the vegetables start to soften.
- Add the poultry seasoning, chili powder, ground cumin, and turmeric. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until the spices become fragrant. Pour in one cup of chicken stock and scrape the bottom of the pan, to loosen any bits that may have stuck to the pan.
- Add beans, cilantro, and the remaining chicken stock to the pot. Stir to combine. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to a simmer and cover the pot with a lid. Simmer on low heat for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Just before serving, whisk in the sour cream.