Southwestern Chili
Hints of Tex-Mex
Jump to the Recipe
A Rich and Smoky Southwestern Chili. This chili recipe is a hearty and flavorful dish that draws inspiration from the bold flavors of Tex-Mex cuisine. Combining classic chili spices like paprika, cumin, and coriander, along with unexpected additions like cinnamon, allspice, and a touch of cocoa powder, creates a complex and satisfying flavor profile. Adding chili peppers and tomatoes provides a perfect balance of heat and acidity.
What You Will Need
Ingredients
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 chilis seeded and chopped
- 1 pound ground turkey (93/7 percent lean)
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- small tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- One 15-ounce can of diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 ounce unsweetened cocoa powder
- 4 cups water
The Process
Brown the Meat:
- Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned.
- Drain off any excess grease.
Sauté the Aromatics:
- Add the minced garlic and chopped chili peppers to the pot.
- Sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
Add Spices and Liquids:
- Stir in the chili powder, paprika, allspice, cinnamon, coriander, cumin, and cloves.
- Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, cocoa powder, and water.
Simmer and Season:
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer, uncovered, for at least 2 hours, or up to 4 hours.
- Stir occasionally and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve:
- Serve hot, topped with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, or tortilla chips.
Additional Tips
Tip: For a thicker chili, consider using a cornstarch slurry to thicken the liquid.