Easy Healthy Chilli

In Island Living 365 the glorious excess of Christmas has meant that we are aware of our clothes feeling that little bit too snug. As a result we are back to eating healthily. However, this never-ending rain screams comfort food which can be high in calories. This Easy Healthy Chilli is the perfect compromise, healthy, delicious and so very comforting. We eat this as a family but if it is just Mr C and I then we increase the measure of spices for some extra heat.

To serve 4 you will need:

• groundnut or olive oil
• 2 onions peeled and chopped
• 500g turkey mince
• 1 tin of chopped tomatoes (plum will also work just break them up when cooking)
• 1 red pepper chopped
• 1 teaspoon of ground chilli (if you aren’t cooking for children you could double, but this gives a nice background heat)
• 1/2 teaspoon of curry powder (1 teaspoon if you aren’t cooking for children)
• 1/2 tablespoon chilli sauce (or 1 if not cooking for children)
• 400g haricot beans
• creme fraiche (or soured cream if you are feeling naughty)
• coriander leaves

Suggested toppings and accompaniments (some healthier than others):

• avocado sliced
• cauliflower rice
• brown rice
• sweet potato wedges or baked
• courgetti
• taco shells
• tortilla wraps (nice cut into strips and toasted in the oven)
• Cheese
• Nachos

Put a little of your olive or groundnut oil into a pan and heat up gently. Whilst you are waiting for the oil to get hot peel and roughly chop your onions. Add them to the oil and over a gentle heat start cooking. You want to take your time doing this to get them as sweet and soft as possible.

Whilst your onions are cooking roughly chop your red pepper and then add to the pan with the onions. When the onions are looking a pale, golden colour and the red pepper has softened you need to remove the onions and pepper from the pan and put into a bowl to one side. Then you need to add your turkey mince to the pan and brown it lightly. Stir it occasionally to help it brown and break it up a little. Then add your chilli powder, curry powder and chilli sauce.

Stir it all together and leave for a couple of minutes for the spices to do their
magic. Now return the onions and pepper to the pan and give a good stir.

Add your drained haricot beans and your tin of tomatoes. Bring to the boil and then simmer for 7-10 minutes until it is hot all the way through.

When your chilli is ready add a couple of tablespoons of your creme fraiche or soured cream on top and sprinkle with coriander leaves.

Bring to the table and let everyone tuck in. This is the perfect dish to warm you up in this dreary weather.

Enjoy!