Sweet Potato & Quinoa Turkey Chili

It's technically spring...but the cold weather and rain last week couldn't keep me away from throwing one more batch of chili in the crock pot. It's no secret that I love chili. So when I saw this recipe floating around on Pinterest with sweet potatoes and quinoa, I knew I had to try it. Sweet potatoes? Quinoa? Chili? In one? Already sounds like my favorite chili recipe ever.

I used this recipe as a baseline, but I adapted it so I didn't have to run to the store for this and that. I'm a firm believer in "use what you have!"

Ingredients

1lb ground turkey
1 large shallot or 1 small onion, chopped [I left these out...hubs doesn't like onions.]
3 garlic cloves, minced
salt and pepper [I did not add salt.]
3 cups chicken broth (plus extra for re-heating) [Used water instead. Worked well for us!]
28oz can crushed tomatoes [I used 1 can of diced tomatoes and 1 can of tomatoes & okra]
15oz can baked beans [I used vegetarian baked beans]

I added a can of black beans...because chili without black beans seems silly to me.
1 cup uncooked quinoa, rinsed
1 large sweet potato (about 1lb,) peeled and chopped [Didn't peel. I'm weird and like the skin. :)]
2 Tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon salt [Didn't add]
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon red chili pepper flakes
Toppings of your liking 

Directions

[from Iowa Girl Eats]

Add ground turkey and shallot to a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season liberally with salt and pepper then cook until no longer pink, breaking turkey up as it cooks. Add garlic then cook for 30 more seconds then add to a 6 quart crock pot. Add remaining ingredients, except toppings, into crock pot then cook on high for 3 hours, or low for 5-6 hours, or until sweet potatoes are tender. Serve with toppings. May need to add more chicken broth when reheating. 

 Throw it in a pot recipes are my jam.

I served Mark's with sour cream, cheese, and avocado.

To keep mine as healthy as possible (matron of honor duties are calling!), I just garnished mine with avocado.

I hope y'all enjoy this one as much as I did! If a cold, rainy day creeps its way in again before warm weather is here to stay, be sure to throw this one in the crock pot! Easy, hearty, and healthy for the win!

Cheers to Pinterest recipe success!

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