quick turkey chili

I keep the pre-measured spices in jars, so all I have to do is chop up an onion and throw it all together. The kids like the mild version, and then we adults spice it up individually. It’s based on a recipe I found online years ago; here is my adaptation.

1 lb. ground turkey

1 tsp. thyme

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. whole cumin seed

1 tsp. garlic powder

2 bay leaves

1 tsp. cilantro

1/4 tsp. oregano

1 tsp. cayenne pepper [omit for mild chili]

1 1/2 tsp. paprika

1 c. onion, chopped

28 oz. whole peeled tomatoes

15 oz. kidney beans [I use navy beans now that we're on GAPS, and we love it!]

Brown turkey & onions. Add remaining ingredients, stir, and cover. Simmer a few minutes to a few hours. Garnish with shredded parmesan; stir in Tabasco / Frank's as needed.

This is one of our favorites, so lately [update April 2011] I've been making a double batch, onions and turkey in the frying pan and the rest in a big pot. Then I dump the meat and onions in the pot and let it simmer for as long as I can. (All day is great; it's usually only for as long as it takes me to throw a salad together!)

compromising health for sanity (how i can do better with this one):
- Ground meat is processed. I could grind my own meat to get our meal closer to its source.
- Canned beans. Beans are easy to soak and cook! [Update April 2011: I've been in the fairly easy habit of soaking and cooking my own beans. I keep a couple cans on hand in case of emergencies (unannounced guests, forgetting, etc.), but my weekly routine includes thawing turkey and prepping beans. Hurray!]
- Canned tomatoes. i'm okay with canned tomatoes; i understand muir has an especially safe/healthy can lining.