The Recipe's Story
It is just a few days after Thanksgiving and if you are like me you may have a little turkey on hand and need a fresh way to prepare the leftovers. Lucky for me I was at my local market and they had a tasty dish that I was able to get the recipe for. I followed it mostly. I don't like a lot of spice so I cut out a diced chili and cut back on the chili powder as well as adding some extra turkey because I have a lot of it. The result was a this amazing chili that you never would have guessed was using leftovers from Thanksgiving. Best of all it is a healthy meal that can help make up for the holiday meals we just don't bother to count calories for.
The broth base of this dish is chicken broth and pumpkin. As opposed to a cream base this soup keeps calories lower by using a unique blend of flavors and a clear broth. Pumpkin, a member of the squash family, is loaded with vitamin A and antioxidant carotenoids and a good source of vitamins C, K, and E, magnesium, potassium, and iron. Turkey is a lean protein with vitamin Bs, zinc and potassium. It is also know for tryptophan, a chemical with a natural calming effect show to help with sleep and ease anxiety. White beans are another lean protein and high in fiber. The spices, garlic, and onions all season this dish without adding many calories and have their own unique health benefits. This is a great way to dish up the turkey without the calories.
Turkey and Pumpkin Chili
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1 T olive oil
1 onion
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 tsp. each of oregano and cumin
1 tsp. chili powder
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
4 cups chicken broth
2 cans (15 ounces) white beans
1 (16 ounce) can solid packed pumpkin
3 cups chopped cooked turkey
In a large soup pot heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions to the pot and saute them for 5 minutes or until tender. Add the garlic and saute for another 3 minutes. Add the pumpkin and broth and stir with a whisk until blended. Add the remaining ingredients, stir to combine, and simmer for 30 minutes allowing the flavors to blend. Serve by itself or with a dollop of sour cream.
Servings: 6
Calories: 382 per serving
