Fresh and Healthy Summer Garden Chili

Chili is one of those meals that can be on the hearty, heavy side and not something you necessarily want to eat for a summer dinner—except for this fresh and healthy version. For this summer chili, I lighten things up considerably and take advantage of fresh summer produce like the zucchini growing in our backyard garden and sweet corn.

Serve this chili with a variety of toppings and add-ons so each diner can customize it to his or her taste. You can make it vegetarian (or vegan, really) by omitting the ground turkey and doubling the amount of beans and squash. Either way, it's delicious! And our kids even eat it, too. There's probably no reason you couldn't make this year-round, either, although you'd have to subsitute frozen corn for the fresh.

Ingredients

Chili

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1 package (approximately 1 1/2 pounds) ground turkey
• 1 16-ounce can fire roasted diced tomatoes with green chilis (Trader Joe's or Muir Glen are great)
• 1 12-ounce bottle beer (not dark)
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 2 tablespoons California chili powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 quart low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 cans white beans (cannelini, great northern, or navy), rinsed and drained
• Kernels from two ears of corn
• 1–2 zucchini, diced
• Salt and freshly ground pepper

Garnishes

• Shredded cabbage
• Shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• Lime wedges
• Chopped cilantro leaves
• Diced avocado
• Chopped green onions
• Hot sauce

Directions

Heat oil in a large dutch oven or pot over medium high heat. Add ground turkey and cook until browned, about 10 minutes. Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic, and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until onion and pepper are soft.

Add beer (the alcohol will cook off), and deglaze the pan, scraping the browned bits off the bottom with a wooden spoon. Let beer come to a gentle boil. Add paprika, chili powder, oregano, cumin, thyme, and black pepper. Stir to combine thoroughly and cook for a few more minutes. Add tomatoes and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 30 minutes.

Stir in beans, corn, and zucchini. Cover and let cook for 20 more minutes. Season to taste with salt.

Serve accompanied by garnishes and warm cornbread.