Healthy Turkey Quinoa Chili!

What is the deal with Quinoa?

          Quinoa has become a health food craze. The question is, why are so many people starting to consume this grain? According to Forbes.com quinoa is rich in protein, contains almost double the fiber as other grains and contains iron. Click here to read article! Clearly quinoa has some extraordinary health benefits. Here is a chili recipe to try using quinoa! You can make it with or without the ground turkey. Without the turkey, the chili becomes a great vegetarian option because it continues to include complete proteins!

Healthy Turkey Quinoa Chili

Ingredients:  

1 lb. of ground turkey (97%- 99% lean)

1/2 cup quinoa, rinsed

1 cup water

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 small onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 jalapeno pepper, diced

1 large carrot, peeled and chopped

2 celery stalks, chopped

1 green bell pepper, chopped

1 red bell pepper, chopped

1 medium zucchini, chopped

15 oz black beans, drained and rinsed

15 oz can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed

30 oz cans diced tomatoes

24 oz can tomato sauce

3 tablespoons chili powder or to taste

1 tablespoon ground cumin

Note: When shopping for canned foods take time to read the label! High amounts of sodium are used in canned foods as preservatives. Choose the can that says "no sodium added" or have low sodium content on the nutrition label. Sodium contributes to high blood pressure and other coronary diseases.

Step #1: Follow directions on Quinoa package to cook the quinoa, then set aside.

Step# 2: Brown ground turkey in skillet over stove and set aside.

Step #3: In a large sauce pan heat olive oil and onion over high heat. Cook until onion becomes translucent and slightly browned.

Step #4: Add garlic, jalapeño, carrot, celery, pepper and zucchini to sauce pan. Cook until vegetables are tender, about 10 plus minutes.

Step #5: Add black beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes and tomato sauce to sauce pan. Then, stir in cooked quinoa and browned turkey

Step #6: Add chili powder and cumin to sauce pan. Let chili simmer on low for 30 or more minutes.

Step #9: Finally, serve chili with guacamole, cheese and chips. I also suggest serving on top of an all beef hot dog, to make a healthier twist on a chili dog!

Thanks for reading my blog ALHWC community!

-Claire Trotter (aka Summer Intern)