Gorgeous. Fantastic, hearty texture – but the turkey keeps it from being so heavy that it’d induce food-coma. The flavor profile makes a solid base hit, as the virtual fans in the stands cheer. Unquestionably delicious. Consistently spicy from spoonful to spoonful, but never overpowering. Turkey Urfa Chili would love a cold beer.
Serves 12
1 lb. small red beans
1 Tbs coarse sea salt
- Cover the beans and salt with 3 inches of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to lowest heat, cover, and cook until tender, 2½ hours. Check periodically; add water if needed.
- Strain the beans. Reserve the bean liquid.
2 Tbs olive oil
2 medium onions, sliced (1½ – 2 cups)
½ tsp garlic powder
1 lb. ground turkey
- Heat the oil in a large soup pot, then cook the onions in it over medium-low heat, until they become translucent, 5 minutes.
- Add the garlic powder and turkey, and stir for quite a while to break it up while it cooks, 2 minutes. Continue to let it cook, stirring on occasion, until the turkey’s fully cooked, 3 minutes.
2½ tsp cumin
2½ tsp green chile powder
1½ Tbs Urfa pepper flakes, plus more for garnish
1 Tbs coarse sea salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 (28-oz.) can diced tomatoes
1 (28-oz.) can crushed tomatoes
- Add the spices and tomatoes. Stir thoroughly. Raise heat to high, and bring to a boil. Turn heat to lowest setting, and cook for 30 minutes.
- Add the beans. Heat through. Thin it out as necessary with the reserved bean liquid. Correct seasoning, if needed.
Note: if the beans would benefit from further cooking, you can add them in Step 5.
Greek yogurt, for garnish
Chopped green onions, for garnish
- Serve hot, garnished with yogurt, onions, and Urfa.
The Backstory
This recipe comes from Zingerman’s Bakehouse[1]. I altered it to use dried beans instead of canned, and to make use of items that I commonly have on-hand (such as yogurt instead of sour cream). As I said at the outset, it’s delicious. I generally assume a turkey chili is going to be decidedly second-rate; this one definitely isn’t. Having said that, does this chili stand out in a crowd? No, not if that crowd is made up of excellent chilies. That makes it probably one of the best turkey chilies I’ve ever had.
Social Learning
You’ll have to do some searching for Urfa Biber, and ground New Mexico Green Chile may not be easy to find, either. I found them both at my favorite local spice shop. They’re both hot, but not harsh. Urfa hits you up front with a high-pitched tingle, then falls back immediately. It also has an alluring, smoky component. It’s really something special. The green chile takes a second, hits you with a full-bodied mid-range tone, and then seems to linger forever with heat that threatens to punish you, but never actually does. It has a hit of green bell pepper and a distinct earthiness in its background.
[1] Emberling, Any, and Frank Corollo. 2017. “Turkey Urfa Chili.” In Zingerman’s Bakehouse, 219. San Francisco: Chronicle Books.
Turkey Urfa Chili
Credit for images on this page: Make It Like a Man!, unless otherwise indicated. Thank you, Kesor. This content was not solicited by anyone, nor was it written in exchange for anything. Zingerman’s did not promise me deli sandwiches for life in exchange for this post.
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That looks very delicious and I love how thick and creamy it looks…my chili is always too thin. I will look out for some Urfa chilies to try.
angiesrecipes recently posted…Roquefort Walnut Banana Cake
Thanks, Angie!
Urfa chile peppers are fabulous! I think I’ve used mine only once, so I’m excited to use them in chili! It is getting to be that weather…
Chef Mimi recently posted…Watermelon Jicama Salad
Excellent! (And yes, it sure it turning to fall!)
Chili season! Love the stuff, no matter how it’s made. Green chile powder is good stuff — I usually buy a new batch of it every year (along with some Hatch chile powder). Urfa peppers I use much less often — need to get some. Their flavor is SO interesting. Fun dish — thanks.
John / Kitchen Riffs recently posted…Creamy Curried Carrot and Chickpea Soup
You’re welcome, John!
People don’t think of turkey chili as being a standout but I used to eat a turkey chili at a brewery in Maine and it was great. I’m going to see about your chili seasonings, they sound terrific.
Karen (Back Road Journal) recently posted…Mexican Mole Verde With Roasted Chicken
Thanks, Karen. And I was wrong about turkey chili. I always thought it was second-rate, but this one is quite good.
I love when I’m reading a recipe and come across an ingredient I’m not familiar with. I’ve never heard of Urfa Biber. Now I have to order it, of course. 😉 This recipe sound fantastic! ~Valentina
I’m the same way, and that’s how I wound up with the Urfa in the first place!
I haven’t heard of urfa chili but you have me curious. Sadly, I just made my yearly pilgrimage to my favourite spice store downtown (Carlos Spice House in Kensington Market). This recipe has me curious enough to make the trek down there again, parking is such a pain and at the moment I refuse to ride public transit (because they are not policing the mandatory face mask policy).
Eva Taylor recently posted…Vanilla Bean Gelato
Sorry to hear about the lax maskers!
I am going to have to research what the local equivalent is of the Urfa pepper flakes 🙂
Tandy | Lavender and Lime recently posted…Mixed Flour Sourdough Bread
Hmm. That’s a good question.
oh i really like turkey mince! lighter than beef mince, and more flavour than chicken mince. So is urfa a type of chilli? Chilli as in the hot red spicy little fruit. yep i just googled to check what it is – a fruit cos it has seeds inside.
cheers
sherry
sherry recently posted…Chicken, Pineapple and Sauerkraut Hotpot
Cool! I had no idea it was a fruit.
Jeff,
My husband is a great fan on Naga chillies, and I hate it when he devours the hot spicy Naga pickle as I can’t even stand close to even touching it due to the heat and after effects. Your urfa Chile might be a good substitute and that turkey looks absolutely luscious. Loved the red curry look of it! Thanks for those extra tips, quite helpful and handy!
Hasin recently posted…The Indian Chicken Curry
Thanks, Hasin! I’ve never had a Naga chile. It sounds like it’s very hot!
I’ve never heard of an Urfa Chile, wonder if it’s anything like the New Mexican Hatch Chile which we see here often. But this recipe looks so hearty without being heavy and delicious! And, you’re right, it’s crying for a tall cold beer.
laura recently posted…Peach Lime Pound Cake
I have to admit, Laura, then I’m something of a bystander when it comes to chiles. I like to eat spicy food, and that’s almost the entire beginning and ending of it. When I think of hatch chile, I usually think of something that is going to be painful if not kept under check. The Urfa chile flakes that I used are hot, but it doesn’t sting.
The most perfect cold weather meal! Yum!
Theresa recently posted…Tuscan Vegetable Soup
Thanks, Theresa!
Did you get it a beer? It deserves one.
This looks fantastic, Jeff — and I am well-stocked with NM green chile and urfa biber straight from Turkey. Only need the turkey for this one.
Thanks, David! Yes, I did find a nice beer to go with this, and a couple more to go with the leftovers!
We think turkey is perfect for a chili, but most people don’t – until they have tried one. Your recipe looks and sounds amazing! We will be making chili soon and I printed this recipe to try it. Thanks Jeff!
You’re welcome!
This sounds like a fragrant and flavorful Chili. I have to check out urfa pepper flakes
Thank you, Balvinder!
I love spicy food and the mention of urfa chili has already made me curious. Loved the combination of turkey and beans Jeff. Thanks for sharing the recipe
You’re welcome, Rahul!
I can only imagine how flavorful this interesting chili tastes. The Urfa Biber is totally new to me, but I’m going to try to check it out.
Thanks, Judee!
Urfa chile has been given the publicity it deserves. It has such a wonderful flavor without an overpowering heat. This must be a delicious chili with all that seasoning. Love it!
mjskitchen recently posted…Grilled Yellow Squash Pizza
Thanks!
I’ve been curious to try cooking with urfa for years. I think I’ve had in in restaurants but I’ve never come across it in the store. The chili sounds fantastic. GREG
Thanks, Greg!
Thank you for the recipe! I can’t wait to try it!
Dennis Yannakos recently posted…Top Awesome Personalized Aprons in 2019
Thanks, Dennis!