White Chili Bistro(Turkey Chili)
A hearty and flavorful white chili with turkey, chickpeas, and barley, perfect for comforting meals. Its mild spice and wholesome ingredients suit any gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 c. chopped onion ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. minced garlic ⓘ
- 1/4 c. vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. ground cumin ⓘ
- 1 lb. ground turkey ⓘ
- 2 lb. skinless, boneless turkey breasts, cut into 3/4-inch cubes ⓘ
- 2/3 c. pearl barley ⓘ
- 2 (1 lb.) cans chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 1 Tbsp. minced bottled jalapeno pepper ⓘ
- 6 c. chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 tsp. dried marjoram ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. dried savory ⓘ
- 1 1/2 Tbsp. arrowroot ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large kettle, cook the onion and the garlic in the vegetable oil over moderately low heat.
- Add the ground cumin and cook, stirring for 5 minutes.
- Add the ground turkey and cubed turkey, cooking over moderate heat until the turkey is no longer pink.
- Add the pearl barley, chickpeas, minced jalapeno, chicken broth, dried marjoram, and dried savory; simmer, covered, stirring occasionally, for 45 minutes.
- Stir the arrowroot mixture into the chili and simmer, uncovered, stirring for 15 minutes.
- Season the chili with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve in bowls and sprinkle with Monterey cheese and scallions.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of lime juice or a dollop of sour cream before serving. If you want a thicker chili, increase the amount of arrowroot or add more barley. Substitute ground chicken for turkey if preferred or use canned chickpeas to save time. This chili pairs beautifully with Fiddlehead Soup for a hearty meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chili hot in bowls, topped with shredded Monterey cheese and sliced scallions for added flavor. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a side salad, like Golden Artichoke Salad, for a complete meal. For a kick, offer additional jalapenos or hot sauce on the side.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions in a microwave-safe bowl for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of White Chili Bistro(Turkey Chili) contains roughly 974 calories, with 41g protein, 101g carbohydrates, and 48g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (144% of the Daily Value), protein (82% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1232mg per serving (54% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this chili in advance?
Absolutely! This chili actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together. Prepare it a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just remember to reheat it thoroughly before serving.
Is there a vegetarian version of this chili?
Yes, you can easily make a vegetarian version by omitting the turkey and using extra beans or lentils instead. You could also add more vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini for added texture and flavor.
What can I serve with this chili?
This turkey chili goes well with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with tortilla chips, cornbread, or a simple green salad. It can also be enjoyed with a dollop of sour cream or guacamole on top for added creaminess.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).