Turkey Chili with Porter and White Cheddar

A few things you should know before divulging into this recipe :

one. I'm from Cincinnati, Ohio, and we're like the chili capital of the world. Or something like that. All that being said, I hate, hate, hate Cincinnati style chili. I spent my entire life detesting places like Skyline, Gold Star, and the multitude of other chili joints that are all over town. I only started eating chilli at a grilled cheese place that had the most amazing blue cheese chili. I liked that, but have liked nothing else, hence why I wanted to make my own recipe.

two. I also really dislike beans. Or at least kidney beans and the kinds in chili. Lima beans are okay - I guess. Anyhow, I don't do beans. So this recipe is bean free. I am also afraid of spice. This recipe is for a more sweet/savor chili, not spicy.

three. I am actually still scared of using my slow cooker. Leaving a hot, cooking meal in my apartment with my dog all day? Scary stuff.

So being forewarned, here is a delicious recipe for turkey chili made with lots of sweet onions, red peppers, a dark Porter for taste, and topped with shredded white cheddar and light sour cream. It's delicious and nothing like the frightening chili places I grew up around.


What You'll Need
Homemade Chili Seasoning
          4 Teaspoons Chili Powder
          1 Teaspoon Paprika
          1 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
          1 Teaspoon Seasoned Salt
          1 Teaspoon White Pepper
          2 Teaspoons Brown Sugar
          1 Teaspoon Dried Basil
          1 Teaspoon Dried Parsley
2 Sweet Onions (Medium/Small size, see photo)
1 Red Bell Pepper
1 Package Ground Lean Turkey Meat - I use Shadybrook Farms
4 Tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce
1 6 Ounce Can Tomato Paste
1.5 Cups Crushed Tomatos (I used Hunt's with Basil)
.5 Cups Dark Beer, like Troegs Dead Reckoning Porter
Light Sour Cream for serving
Shredded White Cheddar cheese for serving (I suggest a sharp cheddar, like an Aged NY White Cheddar)

Make your seasoning mix by combining all of the ingredients in a small dish, like shown.

   

Cut your two onions and bell pepper into small, minced pieces and put aside in a bowl.

    

Put your ground turkey into a bowl. Pour in 4 Tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce and 1/2 the seasoning mix and mix together well with your hands.

Brown the turkey meat and begin to break into small pieces. Drain the turkey meat.

Throw in the bell peppers and onions and pour the rest of the seasoning over top. Stir well and cook on a medium-low heat for about 5 minutes, until the onions start to get a big translucent.

    

Put this mixture into a slow cooker pot, and add the 6 ounce can of tomato paste, the 1.5 cups crushed tomatoes, and .5 cups beer. Stir well and cover, then cook on low for 5 hours.

Serve in bowls and top with a dollop of light sour cream and a handful of white cheddar. Stir in and enjoy!

The hubby and I get on Skype and cook together most every Sunday. He made broccoli cheddar soup (the one from the blog) thought tonight!