Healthy Recipe: The Big Chili

TOM D'INTINO/for PhillyVoice

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The Big Chili takes a classic winter favorite to the next level. Starring a healthy protein and studded with veggies, this dish transforms mere comfort food into a nutritional blockbuster.

The Big Chili — makes 6 servings

Ingredients:
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 1 medium diced sweet potato
• 1 medium diced red bell pepper
• 1 lb. of ground turkey
• 1 crushed garlic clove
• 2 teaspoons of cumin
• 1 teaspoon of chili powder
• 1/8 teaspoon of sea salt
• 2-3 cranks of freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon (sweet) smoked paprika (optional)
• 1 15-oz. can of (low sodium) chickpeas
• 1 cup of low-sodium chicken broth (can substitute water)
• 1 15-oz. can of crushed tomatoes
• 1 10-oz. container of baby spinach

Directions:

  1. Sauté onions in olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot, like a Dutch oven, for 3 to 5 minutes on medium heat, or until the edges turn golden.
  2. Add sweet potato, pepper, meat, garlic, and spices, and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes (careful not to burn the garlic).
  3. Add chickpeas, water or broth, and canned tomatoes, and let simmer on medium for 25 minutes, or until the sweet potato is tender.
  4. (You can also cook this on medium-low for up to an hour.)
  5. Add spinach and cook for 2 to 3 minutes to wilt down the greens.
  6. Garnish with your favorite toppings: cilantro, scallions, thinly sliced radishes, avocado, a squeeze of lime, or Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.

Nutritional Information:
Calories: 45
Carbs: 49g
Protein: 37g
Saturated fat: 2g
Sodium: 179mg
Potassium: 1287mg
Fiber: 15g
Sugar: 10g
Calcium: 157mg

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