Since my Dad has been diagnosed with diabetes, I have really struggled knowing what to make for dinner. Not that our normal meal plans are anything too unhealthy, but I know I could always do better and try to find some more healthy recipes. f you have a favorite healthy, fresh recipe, I would be SO giddy if you would email it to me (Shandra@dealstomeals.com). There are several blogs that have healthy recipes, but it’s sure nice to have recipes that I know are tried and true. Speaking of healthy…this Turkey Lentil Chili is ultra healthy and full of all of the flavors you love about a traditional chili. The only difference, is this chili uses lowfat ground turkey and lentils instead of beans. Lentils are such a great way to add protein and fiber into your diet with very few calories. This soup was so amazing with all of the garnishing–especially the chipotle sour cream. All of the flavors combined, was a great way to introduce lentils in our families meal plan. Have a great week!
- 1 onion
- 1 lb. turkey
- 2 Tbls. olive oil
- 6 garlic cloves
- 2 cups cooked lentils (cook with 4 cups water)
- 1 tsp. paprika
- 1 cup carrots, diced very fine
- 6-7 cups canned diced tomatoes
- 1 cup chicken or beef broth (as needed for consistency)
- 2 Tbls. brown sugar
- 4 Tbls. chili powder
- 1 Tbls. beef bouillon
- 1 Tbls. black pepper
- 2-3 Tbls. cumin powder
- 1 can tomato paste
- Chipotle sour cream (1/2 cup sour cream, 1/4 cup mayonnaise & 2 chipotle peppers chopped)
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Diced avocados
- Tortilla chips
- Fresh cilantro
- Lime slices
- In a sauce pan, cook the lentils as described on the package instructions (usually it's one cup lentils to one cup water). Let the lentils simmer on the stove until tender while you start the chili.
- While the lentils are cooking, chop the onion and carrots. In a soup pot, add the onions, carrots and olive oil. Let the onions/carrots saute until slightly tender. Add the garlic cloves and the turkey (or sausage). Break apart the meat until crumbled and browned. Add the remaining ingredients for the chili (seasonings, tomatoes, tomato paste, etc.). Once the chili is brought to a simmer, add the cooked lentils to the chili. Continue to let the soup simmer until you are ready to eat. Season the soup with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish the soup with those of your choice (sour cream, avocados, lime wedge, cilantro, tortilla chips, shredded cheese, etc.).
