Chili in Summer?

On Friday night I asked my boyfriend what he wanted for dinner.  Usually, this question is answered with a series of "I don't know's" and "Something 'gluten-friendly.'"  Mr. Man is not GF, so his choices are not as limited as mine... But on Friday he told me that he was craving chili.  Chili? It's 85 degrees outside! Of course, I obliged and picked up some ingredients on my way home. Now I prefer my chili chock-full of veggies, but I've realized over time that the meatier the chili is the happier Mr. Man is.  When I got home, the air was cranked up a little bit... thank heavens... and Mr. Man even picked up a bottle of wine. Wine & Chili - wow, we are fancy!  Below is a quick recipe for my chili, even though my chili never seems to turn out exactly the same...

"Summer" Turkey Chili

1 lb ground turkey

1/2 medium onion, chopped

1/4 tsp pepper

1/4 tsp garlic, minced

2 (28 oz) cans Muir Glen crushed tomatoes (Regular or Fire Roasted)

2 (14 oz) cans Joan of Arc light kidney beans

1 yellow pepper, diced

1 green pepper, diced

1 jalapeno pepper, diced (if desired)

1/2 T chili powder

1/2 tsp pepper

1/4 tsp crushed red pepper

Optional garnishes (sour cream, shredded cheese, scallions, tortilla chips)

Season ground turkey with pepper.  Brown turkey over medium high heat along with chopped onion and garlic.  In large pot, combine crushed tomatoes, beans, peppers and spices.  Mix in turkey and allow chili to cook over medium heat.  Once it begins to boil, reduce heat to simmer and allow to cook through for 15 - 20 minutes.  Serve, if desired, with optional garnishes. 

Mr. Man loves to eat his chili with Fritos corn chips. Luckily, these are GF, so I am able to enjoy as well.  Frito-Lay lists all of their GF products on their website here.  I never used to be a big fan of potato chips, but when you can't eat other things, they become quite tempting!

Enjoy!