White Turkey Chili

Published September 1, 2007.

Why this recipe works:

We found not one but three solutions to bland turkey chili recipes: To fix watery sauce, we pureed some of our sauted chile-onion mixture and beans with the broth to thicken the base. To avoid floating bits of rubbery turkey, we browned, poached, and shredded a bone-in, skin-on turkey breast, which gave our turkey pieces a hearty texture and full flavor. And to solve the problem of insufficient chile flavor, we used a trio of fresh chiles: jalapeo, poblano, and Anaheim. (less) Serves 6 to 8

Adjust the heat in this dish by adding the minced ribs and seeds from the jalapeo as directed in step 6. If Anaheim chiles cannot be found, use an additional poblano and an additional jalapeo. Serve chili with sour cream, tortilla chips, and lime wedges. Ingredients

1 bone-in, skin-on split turkey breast (about 2 1/2 pounds), trimmed of excess fat and skin Salt and ground black pepper 1tablespoon vegetable oil 3 medium jalapeo chiles 3 poblano chiles (medium), stemmed, seeded, and cut into large pieces 3 Anaheim chile peppers (medium), stemmed, seeded, and cut into large pieces 2 medium onions , cut into large pieces (2 cups) 6medium cloves garlic , minced or pressed through garlic press (about 2

tablespoons) 1tablespoon ground cumin 1 1/2teaspoons ground coriander 2(15-ounce) cans cannellini beans , drained and rinsed 3cups low-sodium chicken broth 3tablespoons fresh lime juice (from 2 to 3 limes) 1/4cup minced fresh cilantro leaves 4 scallions , white and light green parts sliced thin

Instructions

1. Season turkey liberally with salt and pepper. Heat oil in large Dutch oven over medium-high heat until just smoking. Add turkey, skin-side down, and cook without moving until skin is golden brown, 6 to 8 minutes. Using tongs, turn turkey and lightly brown on other side, about 2 minutes. Transfer turkey to plate; remove and discard skin.

2. While turkey is browning, remove and discard ribs and seeds from 2 jalapeos; mince flesh. In food processor, process half of poblano chiles, Anaheim chiles, and onions until consistency of chunky salsa, 10 to twelve 1second pulses, scraping down sides of workbowl halfway through. Transfer mixture to medium bowl. Repeat with remaining poblano chiles, Anaheim chiles, and onions; combine with first batch (do not wash food processor blade or workbowl).

3. Pour off all but 1 tablespoon fat from Dutch oven (adding more vegetable oil if necessary) and reduce heat to medium. Add minced jalapeos, chile-onion mixture, garlic, cumin, coriander, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables soften, about 10 minutes. Remove pot from heat.

4. Transfer 1 cup cooked vegetable mixture to now-empty food processor

workbowl. Add 1 cup beans and 1 cup broth and process until smooth, about 20 seconds. Add vegetable-bean mixture, remaining 2 cups broth, and turkey breast (bone-side down) to Dutch oven and bring to boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, covered, stirring occasionally, until turkey registers 160 degrees on instant-read thermometer, 30 to 35 minutes.

5. Using tongs, transfer turkey to large plate. Stir in remaining beans and continue to simmer, uncovered, until beans are heated through and chili has thickened slightly, about 10 minutes.

6. Mince remaining jalapeo, reserving and mincing ribs and seeds (see note above), and set aside. When cool enough to handle, shred turkey into bite-sized pieces, discarding bones. Stir shredded turkey, lime juice, cilantro, scallions, and remaining minced jalapeo (with ribs and seeds if desired) into chili and return to simmer. Adjust seasonings with salt and pepper and serve.