Turkey Chili with Baked Sweet Potato

1. 1
   prep · ~5 min

   Preheat the oven and prep the sweet potatoes.

   1.Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

   2.Scrub 4 medium sweet potatoes clean under running water.

   3.Pierce each potato several times with a fork and place on a baking sheet.
2. 2
   bake · ~45 min

   Bake the sweet potatoes.

   Bake the sweet potatoes for 40-45 minutes, or until a knife slides easily through the center. The skin should be slightly puffed and the flesh tender.

   TIPFor extra-caramelized edges, rub the skins with a drop of oil and a pinch of salt before baking.
3. 3
   saute · ~7 min

   Sauté the aromatics.

   1.In a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat, warm 2 tsp olive oil until shimmering.

   2.Add 1 diced onion and cook until translucent (4-5 min).

   3.Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 diced bell pepper, cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
4. 4
   saute · ~7 min

   Brown the turkey.

   1.Add 450 g ground turkey to the pot and break it up with a wooden spoon.

   2.Cook until no longer pink, stirring occasionally (6-7 min).

   3.Drain any excess liquid if necessary.

   TIPDon't stir too often — letting the turkey sit undisturbed for a minute helps develop a deeper flavor.
5. 5
   saute · ~2 min

   Bloom the spices.

   1.Add 2 tbsp tomato paste and stir it in, cooking for 1 minute to caramelize slightly.

   2.Sprinkle in 1 tsp cumin seeds, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp chili powder, and 0.5 tsp dried oregano.

   3.Stir constantly and cook for 30 seconds until the spices smell toasty.

   TIPBlooming spices in the fat releases their oils and deepens the chili's flavor — don't skip this step.
6. 6
   simmer · ~30 min

   Add tomatoes, beans, and water and simmer.

   1.Add 3 diced tomatoes, the soaked and drained kidney beans, black beans, and 1.5 cups water.

   2.Season with 0.5 tsp salt and 1 pinch black pepper. Stir everything together.

   3.Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally until the chili is thick.

   TIPIf the chili looks too dry during simmering, add water a splash at a time. You want it thick but spoonable.
7. 7
   assemble · ~3 min

   Split the sweet potatoes and ladle on the chili.

   1.Remove sweet potatoes from the oven and let them cool for 5 minutes.

   2.Make a slit lengthwise down the center of each potato and gently push the ends to open it up.

   3.Ladle a generous scoop of turkey chili over each opened sweet potato.

   TIPFluff the inside of the sweet potato with a fork before adding chili — it helps the toppings soak in.
8. 8
   garnish

   Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot.

   TIPA squeeze of lime juice or a dollop of plain yogurt takes this over the top.

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