Galley Sally: khalil's turkey and white-bean chili

Dear Khalil,

I’ve never met you, but you are a culinary genius. When I read your quote, (“Turkey and white-bean chili with no tomatoes may sound unorthodox, but mine is destined to become a classic”), I’ll admit I thought you sounded a touch impudent. But that was before I made your chili. I have never (ever) before sat down to a bowl of chili and with every bite proclaimed: “This is sooo good! Oh, this is really good.”

I loved your chili. Loved it. I made it on a damp, cold evening, and it was incredibly perfect. After scooping the last bit out of the pot, I decided that whenever we have a guest, I’m making your chili. It’s true. So if you decide to visit, you can be sure I’ll be serving your classic.

Sincerely,

Your biggest chili fan

P.S. I made your chili again for the holidays. Win!

From everyday food

Serves 6
Active Time 45 min
Total Time 1 hr 20 min

You will need...

3 Tbsp vegetable oil
1 large white onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 to 2 serrano chiles, seeded and minced (I used one since cooking for a kid)
4 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary leaves
1 1/2 tsps ground cumin
1 tsp dried oregano (preferably Mexican, but not necessary)
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
coarse salt
1 lb. ground white meat turkey or chicken
5 cups chicken or veggie broth
1 can (~15.5 oz) cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (~15 oz) white hominy, rinsed and drained
3 Tbsp cornmeal

Suggested Toppings:
Sliced Radishes, Sliced Scallions, Sour Cream

1) In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, heat oil over medium-high. Add onion and cook until softened ~ 8 mins.

Onion...

Serrano chili, garlic and rosemary.

2) Add garlic, chiles, rosemary, cumin, oregano, and cayenne and cook until fragrant, ~ 2 mins; season with salt. Add turkey and cook, breaking up meat with a wooden spoon, until cooked through, 5 mins.

Onion and spices softening and "fragrant-ing"

With ground turkey or chicken

3) Add broth, beans and hominy; bring to a boil over high. Partially cover, reduce heat, and simmer until chili is thickened slightly, 25 mins. Stir in cornmeal and cook 15 mins. Season to taste with salt.