Hello hungry friends!

As you sift through the endless chili recipes and pictures of cupcakes with ‘football stitching’ know that there’s more to the Super Bowl than food, and more than one weekend that makes a good excuse for a big ol’ pot of meat, beans and spices. At least in my (humble?) opinion.

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Football is actually fun to watch. It’s an excuse to relax and see your friends (heck, throw back a beer), without putting on something ultra-tight or attempting the elusive perfect smokey eye. You can like, eat. Talk (depending on the game). Maybe even meet someone interesting?

Just be mindful about what you put away as you pretend to know about (or maybe totally get) the difference between a quarterback and a cornerback. Yes – two different positions. I’m looking at you cornbread. And 7-layer dip – why are you never as good as I imagine?

Hosting or attending, give this smokey, sweet Tex-Mex chili recipe a shot. It’s one of those that makes the whole house (studio apartment?) smell good. It takes 25 minutes. It’s so easy. Plus it’s totally good for you. Ground turkey is lean. The cannellini beans and hominy will give you that luscious, carb feel – sans Tostitos Scoops.

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I have to give a little shout-out to my former roommate who introduced me to the inspiration for today’s recipe. For a girl who ‘doesn’t cook’ she sure knew what she was doing with this one.  xoxox.

So grab a beer. Let’s chili!

What you’ll need:

1 – 1 1/2 lbs ground turkey
1 poblano pepper, chopped with seeds
3/4 large red onion, minced
5-7 garlic cloves (seriously, so good)
2 Tbsp. canola (or veg) oil
3 Tbsp. tomato paste
2 Tbsp. curry powder
1 Tbsp. ground cumin
1 Tbsp. dried oregano
1 14.5 oz. can cannellini beans, with liquid
1 14.5 oz. can hominy, with liquid
1 14.5 oz. can chicken broth
1 head cilantro
2-3 avocados
lime wedges
salt & pepper

• Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
• Add ground turkey, poblano (seeds and all), red onion and garlic.
• Cook turkey through – about 8 minutes.
• Add tomato paste, curry powder, cumin, oregano.
• Blend flavors for about 3-5 minutes.
• Add beans, hominy and broth.
• Bring to a boil, then simmer for 10-12 minutes. Salt & pepper to taste.
• Serve hot, topped with fresh cilantro (to taste), lime wedges and as much avocado as you can afford.

Enjoy!

Happy Super Bowling! It’s Denver vs. Carolina btw…. right??