$25 Dinners - Turkey Chili

Before the weather warms back up, fill up on some hearty homemade meals. Try this healthy take on chili that’s sure to warm even the pickiest eaters’ hearts. While this meal does take a bit longer to prepare, you’ll have left-overs for the whole week once you’re done. Plan on about 15 minutes of prep time to cut and drain all of the ingredients and then approximately 25 minutes of cook time.

Ingredients:
1.5 cups dried lentils
1 tbsp olive oil
1 lb. ground turkey
1 can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 large onion, diced
1 large bell pepper, diced
2 tbsp minced garlic
1.5 tbsp chili powder
2 tsp dried oregano
¾ tsp ground cumin
1 tsp salt
1 can diced tomatoes, fire-roasted with chiles, undrained

1. Place lentils in a large saucepan and cover completely with water; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and let simmer until lentils are tender (about 15 minutes); drain well and set aside.
2. Meanwhile, heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat and add the onion, pepper and garlic. Stir often for about five minutes and then add in the ground turkey and the kidney beans. Heat until the vegetables are soft and the turkey is cooked through (approximately five minutes).
3. In a small bowl, combine chili powder, oregano, cumin and salt and then add to the skillet, stirring well to combine. Continue to cook for another minute.
4. Add tomatoes (with their juice). Cover skillet and simmer for another five to ten minutes. Stir in lentils.
5. Serve it up and enjoy!

*Makes about 12 servings, approximately 190 calories each. Cost of meal is about $1.80 per serving.

*Adapted from a Weight Watchers recipe.