Quick Paleo Turkey Chili (with Kale + Bacon)

Quick Paleo Turkey Chili with Kale & Bacon - An Appetite For Joy

Quick Paleo Turkey Chili with Kale & Bacon - An Appetite For Joy

I changed up the way I make chili tonight and it was so delicious I had to share it with you!

First, I crisped up some chopped bacon and set it aside. Then I dropped diced bell pepper and onion into the bacon fat for extra flavor. To the veggies, I added turkey, tomato, spices (plus a little kale for good measure) and done!I veered away from my usual beef and bean chili because I wanted something lighter on digestion.  My husband and I just completed a round of The 21 Day Belly Fix and we're more in tune with our bodies. (This is the book that my amazing M.D. wrote and I have the privilege of coaching people through the program at her center!)

Anyway, being especially in tune, I decided to try the paleo route this go around and forgo the beans and grains (we ate it with a little sweet potato). I was thinking of what could add that extra something when I noticed the bacon in the meat drawer. Need I say more?

Without the beans, it is noticeably lighter on digestion. This makes it great for leftovers, since a standard beef and bean chili can sometimes be a lot to handle 2-3 meals in a row.Don't shy away from chili just because it's summer.

This one-pot meal is quick, easy and filling (my kids are ravenous lately!) Plus, it goes so well with summery toppings - parsley, jalapenos and tomatoes. Try it soon. You'll love it!

(This post may contain affiliate links - thank you for your support!)

Quick Paleo Turkey Chili with Kale & Bacon - An Appetite For Joy

Quick Paleo Turkey Chili with Kale & Bacon - An Appetite For Joy

Recipe: Quick Paleo Turket Chili (with Kale + Bacon)

Bacon, turkey, spices and kale come together in a simple one-pot chili with outstanding flavor!

Author: Natalia Gill

Prep time:  

10 mins

Cook time:  

30 mins

Serves: 4

INGREDIENTS

  • 4 slices bacon, chopped

  • 1 bell pepper, diced

  • 1 medium onion, diced

  • 1 pound of ground turkey (I get the one with the highest fat content for flavor and texture)

  • 1 tablespoon chili powder

  • 1 teaspoon cumin

  • 1 bay leaf

  • 1 28 ounce can/carton of unsalted chopped (I like Pomi finely chopped)

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • 1 cup kale, stems removed and thinly chopped

  • pepper and more salt to taste

  • Topping ideas: jalapenos, parsley and tomatoes

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Sauté the bacon over medium heat in a heavy pot (large enough for all the ingredients) until crisp. With a slotted spoon, remove the bacon and set it aside for later. Remove the pot from the heat and add the pepper and onion to the hot bacon fat. Stir for about 3 minutes, until soft.

  2. Place the pot with the pepper and onion back on medium heat and add the turkey, mixing until well combined and cooked through.

  3. Add the spices, tomatoes and ½ teaspoon salt.

  4. Simmer for 20 minutes.

  5. Add the kale and simmer about 5 additional minutes until it is soft. Taste and adjust seasonings to your liking.

  6. Add the bacon to the chili and serve with toppings of your choice.

5. Recipes, Mains