The Butcher Shop, Inc.

Locally Sourced Quality Food

Leftover Turkey Chili

by

As the last strains of Thanksgiving dinner fade away, it’s not uncommon to find the refrigerator filled with the remnants of a grand feast. The challenge? How to transform that mound of leftover turkey into a new and exciting meal. This hearty and soul-warming Leftover Turkey Chili is a comforting embrace for those cooler fall days when a bowl of something robust and flavorful is the only answer.

Imagine the rich aroma of olive oil sizzling in a pot, setting the stage for a symphony of flavors to come. Picture succulent chunks of Thanksgiving turkey, now reborn, mingling with the vibrant dance of bell peppers, sweet onions, and the subtle heat of diced green chilis. With its bold combination of chili powder, cumin, and garlic, this chili transforms your holiday leftovers into a feast for the senses.

But this isn’t just any chili; it’s a recipe born from the spirit of resourcefulness and the desire to create something new from what remains. As the pot simmers, the kitchen fills with the fragrance of spices, promising a dish that not only warms the body but also rekindles the memories of shared moments around the Thanksgiving table. A handful of carefully chosen ingredients, including canned diced tomatoes, pinto beans, and a touch of turkey broth, combine to create a symphony of textures and tastes. Adding lime juice and fresh oregano elevates the dish, adding a burst of citrusy brightness and a hint of earthy freshness.

So, when the autumn chill settles in, and the desire for comfort food takes hold, turn to this Leftover Turkey Chili. It’s a delicious solution to the post-Thanksgiving leftover challenge, a culinary journey that turns yesterday’s feast into today’s warmth and satisfaction. Top it with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese, and savor the essence of fall in every spoonful.

Ingredients for Leftover Turkey Chili:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 pound leftover TBS turkey, chopped into bite-size chunks
  • 1 tablespoon of minced garlic
  • 2 bell peppers, diced
  • 1 sweet onion, chopped
  • 1 bunch of green onions, chopped. Keep the white and green parts separated.
  • 1 can diced green chilis, drained
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons cornmeal
  • 2 cans of diced tomatoes
  • 2 cans of pinto beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup of turkey broth
  • The juice of 1 lime
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
  • Sour cream or shredded cheddar cheese as a garnish.

Directions:

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large cooking pot over medium heat.
  2. Saute the onions, peppers, white portion of the chopped green onions, and garlic until the onions begin to soften. Add the diced chilis and stir.
  3. Add in the turkey, chili powder, cumin, and salt. Stir well and cook for about two minutes.
  4. Sprinkle the cornmeal over the mixture.
  5. Stir in the diced tomatoes, pinto beans, and turkey broth. Heat to a boil, and then turn down to a simmer.
  6. Allow the chili to cook for 10 to 15 minutes until the chili thickens. Stir occasionally.
  7. Add in the oregano, lime juice, and the green portion of the chopped green onions.
  8. Serve with a dollop of sour cream or shredded cheddar cheese.

Choose The Butcher Shop for the healthiest local meats and produce.

Why purchase meat and produce from a grocery store from who knows where? We have such excellent, fresh meat and produce available to us locally! The Butcher Shop is your one-stop shop for locally sourced meats and produce from farms in Southern Oregon. At TBS, you’ll find the perfect cut of meat for your meal, fresh-baked loaves of bread, fresh fruit and vegetables, local wine and beers, and even quality food for your canine. Stop by today or call ahead to pre-order your ingredients.