Are you looking for a quick meal that is easy to make? Look no further than this delicious Lentil Chili recipe with ground turkey. In this blog post, I will guide you through the process of how to make lentil chili. Packed with protein, fiber, and flavor, this hearty dish is sure to satisfy your taste buds and keep you feeling satisfied. Let’s get started!
Why Lentil Chili?
When you’re out shopping, do you ever spot products and find yourself curious about how they taste? That was me when I first laid eyes on lentils in the store. Lentils have been a staple for a long time, but they weren’t part of my childhood diet. If you’re in the same boat, you might be wondering what makes lentils so special and why you should consider using them in your chili. Let me enlighten you!
Lentils are a nutritious and versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. They are a great source of plant-based protein, rich in fiber, and packed with essential vitamins and minerals. Lentils are also low in fat and cholesterol, making them a healthy choice for those looking to reduce their intake of animal products.
By combining lentils with ground turkey, you get the best of both worlds – the heartiness of meat and the nutritional benefits of lentils. Ground turkey is a lean protein option that is lower in fat and calories compared to ground beef, making it a healthier choice for those watching their saturated fats.
What You Need to Make Lentil Chili with Ground Turkey
To whip up this delicious ground turkey lentil chili, gather the following ingredients:
- 4 cups of water
- 1 pound of ground turkey
- 1 cup of lentils (brown lentils work best)
- 1 can of diced tomatoes
- 1 stalk of celery, finely chopped
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 tbsp of olive oil
- 1 1/2 tbsp Chili Seasoning
How to Make Lentil Chili with Ground Turkey
Before we start cooking, it’s essential to prepare all the ingredients. First, rinse the lentils thoroughly and set them aside. Then, finely chop the celery and dice the bell pepper. Now you’re ready to move on to the next step.
Next, bring 3 cups of water to a boil in a large pot or Dutch oven. Once boiling, add your lentils and bring to a boil again.
Once the lentils have been added to the pot, but before they start to boil, heat up 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Then, add the ground turkey and cook it until it’s halfway done, ensuring it remains slightly pink before adding the vegetables.
After the ground turkey is nearly done cooking, mix in the chopped celery and diced bell pepper. Cook until the veggies are slightly tender and the turkey is nicely browned. The celery and bell pepper combo gives the chili a tasty crunch and flavor.
Now, it’s time to add the ground turkey mixture and diced tomatoes to the pot of lentils. Then, add your chili seasoning to the pot. To make your own homemade chili seasoning, click here. If you would rather use store bought chili seasoning, measure out 1 1/2 tbsp for this recipe. Once you have either created or measured your seasoning, add it to the pot. Then, give everything a good stir to combine all the ingredients and let simmer for 10-20 minutes.. The lentils will absorb the flavors from the ground turkey and vegetables, creating a rich and hearty chili.
Simmer, Season, Serve
After simmering, give your chili a taste test. If you feel it needs more seasoning, feel free to add a bit more chili powder or any other spices you prefer. Adjust the salt and pepper according to your taste. Remember, cooking is all about personal preference, so don’t be afraid to experiment!
Once your ground turkey lentil chili is ready, it’s time to serve and enjoy! Ladle it into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, diced avocado, or a dollop of sour cream. Pair it with some warm crusty bread or tortilla chips for a complete meal.
Making ground turkey lentil chili is a fantastic way to incorporate lean protein and fiber into your diet while indulging in a delicious and satisfying meal. With the combination of ground turkey, lentils, and flavorful vegetables, this chili is a winner for both taste and nutrition. So why not give it a try and impress your family and friends with this hearty dish? Happy cooking!
For more easy recipe ideas, browse all of The Mediocre Cook Recipes! Print
Lentil Chili Recipe with Ground Turkey
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Enjoy a delicious and hearty meal with our 30-minute Lentil Chili with Turkey! Packed with protein and fiber, this quick and nutritious dish is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.
Recipe Inspiration: All Recipe’s Turkey-Lentil Chili.
Ingredients
- 4 cups Water
- 1 lb Lean Ground Turkey
- 1 cup Brown Lentils
- 24 oz Diced Tomatoes (Canned)
- 1 Celery Stalk
- 1 Bell Pepper
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 1/2 tbsp Chili Seasoning
Instructions
- Rinse the lentils thoroughly and set them aside.
- Wash and dice the bell pepper and celery.
- Bring 3 cups of water to a boil in a large pot.
- Heat 2 tbsp of olive oil in a separate pan over medium heat.
- Add lentils to boiling water and bring to a boil. Boil for 10 minutes while cooking the meat.
- Add ground turkey to the hot skillet and cook until barely any pink is left.
- Add bell peppers and celery to the skillet with the ground turkey and cook until the ground turkey has browned and the vegetables have become tender. Chop the meat up during this stage with a meat chopper or a wooden spoon.
- Add the browned meat, bell peppers, celery and diced tomatoes to the pot with the lentils.
- Add 1 1/2 tbsp of homemade chili seasoning or store bought seasoning to the pot.
- Stir to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer for 10-20 minutes.
- Taste, adjust seasonings, serve, and enjoy!
Notes
- Additional seasonings that go well in this dish are: Oregano, Sage, Rosemary, and Thyme.
- You can substitute the water for vegetable or chicken stock for added nutrients and calories.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
Nutrition
- Calories: 470
