With the cooler months upon us, nothing warms up a chilly evening quite like a bowl of hearty chili. Emeril Lagasse's White Bean Turkey Chili with Cilantro is not just any chili—it's a flavorful, nutritious dish that's perfect for those looking to enjoy a delicious meal while staying health-conscious.

Whether you're a seasoned home cook or a foodie exploring new recipes, this chili is a must-try. In this blog post, we'll take you through everything you need to know about this wonderful dish, from its health benefits to step-by-step cooking instructions. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this incredible recipe!

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Overview of the Recipe and Its Health Benefits

Emeril Lagasse's White Bean Turkey Chili is a fusion of taste and nutrition. Using ground turkey instead of beef makes it lighter, while white beans provide an excellent source of protein and fiber. The addition of fresh cilantro and various spices brings a burst of flavor, making this chili a standout dish.

Health-conscious eaters will appreciate that this recipe uses 93/7 ground turkey, which is leaner and has less fat. Plus, the beans and vegetables add plenty of vitamins and minerals, ensuring a balanced meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here's what you'll need to make this delightful chili:

1/2 Pound dried navy beans
2 Tablespoons olive oil
2 Cups chopped onion
2 Tablespoons chopped jalapeño
2 Tablespoons minced garlic
21/2 Pounds ground turkey
2 Tablespoons Emeril's Southwest Essence (recipe follows)
1 Tablespoon chili powder
2 Teaspoons salt
1/4 Teaspoon dried oregano
1 Bay leaf
3 Tablespoons cornmeal
3 Cups chicken broth
2 Cans (10 ounces) Ro'tel diced tomatoes and green chiles (original) with juice
2 Cans (4 ounces) diced green chiles with juice
1 Tablespoon finely chopped cilantro stems
1/4 Cup heavy cream
2 Tablespoons finely chopped cilantro leaves
Sour cream for serving
Grated Cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese for serving
Chopped green onions for serving

Emeril’s Southwest Essence

2 Tablespoons chili powder
1 Tablespoon ground cumin
1 Tablespoon paprika
1 Teaspoon black pepper
1 Tablespoon ground coriander
1 Teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 Tablespoon garlic powder
1 Teaspoon crushed red pepper
1 Tablespoon salt
1 Tablespoon dried oregano

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps to create a perfect pot of Emeril's White Bean Turkey Chili.

Preparing the Beans

Soak the beans covered in cold water overnight.
Drain the beans in a colander.
Cook the beans in an electric pressure cooker with 2 cups of water for 10 minutes. If you don't have a pressure cooker, cook the beans in a large pot on the stove with enough water to cover them. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cook for approximately 1 hour. Drain the beans in a colander. If you don’t want to soak beans, no worries! I have used cans of navy beans, and it turns out just as good!

Making the Chili

Sauté the aromatics: In a large pot, heat the olive oil and sauté the onion and jalapeño until soft and beginning to caramelize, about 4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 2 more minutes.
Cook the turkey: Add the ground turkey, Southwest Essence, chili powder, salt, oregano, and bay leaf. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the turkey is browned and cooked through.
Incorporate the dry ingredients: Add the cornmeal and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes.
Add liquids and simmer: Pour in the chicken broth, canned Rotel tomatoes, canned chiles, and cilantro stems. Stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Finish the chili: Add the cooked beans, heavy cream, and cilantro leaves. Cook an additional 15 minutes on low heat.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the chili in bowls garnished with sour cream, grated cheese, and chopped green onions to taste. Pair with a warm slice of cornbread for a complete meal.

Here are a few other recipes from the blog that everyone loves:

Greek Lemon Turkey Soup

Protein Packed Asian Beef Bowl

Flavor Packed Chicken Buddha Bowl

Stuffed Red Pepper Soup

Spicy Coconut Lime Chicken Soup

The Best Taco Soup

Sausage Low Carb Italian Soup

Mexican chicken Salad

Tips and Variations for Home Cooks

Personalize Your Chili

Spice Level: Adjust the amount of jalapeño and cayenne pepper to fit your spice tolerance.
Vegetarian Option: Substitute ground turkey with a plant-based protein like Beyond Meat or extra beans.
Extra Veggies: Add bell peppers, corn, or zucchini for additional nutrients.

Make It Healthier

Use low-sodium chicken broth to reduce salt intake.
Choose Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a protein boost.
Incorporate more fresh herbs like parsley or basil for added flavor without extra calories.

History and Significance of White Bean Turkey Chili in American Cuisine

Chili has long been a staple in American kitchens, especially in the southern and southwestern states. Traditionally made with beef, variations like white bean turkey chili have gained popularity for their healthier profiles.

Emeril Lagasse, a renowned chef known for his bold flavors, has made this dish accessible and delicious for home cooks. It's a testament to how traditional recipes can evolve to meet modern dietary preferences without sacrificing taste.

Nutritional Information

Emeril Lagasse's White Bean Turkey Chili is not just delicious but also nutritious. Here’s a quick glance at its health benefits:

High Protein: Both turkey and white beans are excellent protein sources, essential for muscle repair and growth.
Rich in Fiber: Beans add significant fiber, aiding digestion and keeping you full longer.
Low in Fat: Using lean ground turkey reduces the overall fat content, making this chili a healthier choice compared to traditional beef chili.

Warm Up This Fall with Emeril Lagasse's White Bean Turkey Chili

Yield: 4-6

Author: Angie Bloom

Prep time: 15 MinCook time: 2 H & 15 MInactive time: 8 HourTotal time: 10 H & 30 M

Cook modePrevent screen from turning off

Ingredients

1/2 Pound dried navy beans
2 Tablespoons olive oil
2 Cups chopped onion
2 Tablespoons chopped jalapeño
2 Tablespoons minced garlic
21/2 Pounds ground turkey
2 Tablespoons Emeril's Southwest Essence (recipe follows)
1 Tablespoon chili powder
2 Teaspoons salt
1/4 Teaspoon dried oregano
1 Bay leaf
3 Tablespoons cornmeal
3 Cups chicken broth
2 Cans (10 ounces) Ro'tel diced tomatoes and green chiles (original) with juice
2 Cans (4 ounces) diced green chiles with juice
1 Tablespoon finely chopped cilantro stems
1/4 Cup heavy cream
2 Tablespoons finely chopped cilantro leaves
Sour cream for serving
Grated Cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese for serving
Chopped green onions for serving

Emeril’s Southwest Essence

2 Tablespoons chili powder
1 Tablespoon ground cumin
1 Tablespoon paprika
1 Teaspoon black pepper
1 Tablespoon ground coriander
1 Teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 Tablespoon garlic powder
1 Teaspoon crushed red pepper
1 Tablespoon salt
1 Tablespoon dried oregano

Instructions

Soak the beans covered in cold water overnight.
Drain the beans in a colander.
Cook the beans in an electric pressure cooker with 2 cups of water for 10 minutes. If you don't have a pressure cooker, cook the beans in a large pot on the stove with enough water to cover them. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cook for approximately 1 hour. Drain the beans in a colander.

Sauté the aromatics: In a large pot, heat the olive oil and sauté the onion and jalapeño until soft and beginning to caramelize, about 4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 2 more minutes.
Cook the turkey: Add the ground turkey, Southwest Essence, chili powder, salt, oregano, and bay leaf. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the turkey is browned and cooked through.
Incorporate the dry ingredients: Add the cornmeal and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes.
Add liquids and simmer: Pour in the chicken broth, canned Rotel tomatoes, canned chiles, and cilantro stems. Stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Finish the chili: Add the cooked beans, heavy cream, and cilantro leaves. Cook an additional 15 minutes on low heat.

Notes

Serving Suggestions

Serve the chili in bowls garnished with sour cream, grated cheese, and chopped green onions to taste. Pair with a warm slice of cornbread for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts

Calories

1835.34

Fat

40.34 g

Sat. Fat

11.11 g

Carbs

70.83 g

Fiber

23.84 g

Net carbs

46.98 g

Sugar

13.95 g

Protein

301.09 g

Sodium

4540.19 mg

Cholesterol

677.2 mg

The nutrition information provided is only estimated based on an online nutritional calculator. I am not a dietician. Please consult a doctor for accurate, more personal information about your health and any dietary restrictions and concerns you may have.

As we head into fall and winter, there's nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of chili to satisfy your cravings. Emeril Lagasse's White Bean Turkey Chili with Cilantro is a flavorful, nutritious option that you can easily make at home. Whether you're meal-prepping for the week or looking to impress your family at dinner, this chili is sure to be a hit.

Why not give it a try and share your experience with us? And if you're looking for more healthy recipes and cooking tips, be sure to sign up for our newsletter, here. Happy cooking!