Turkey Chili

Who doesn't love a good bowl of chili!  This is one of my favorite comfort food recipes.

If you have not read about the Elimination Diet, I strongly recommend you do prior to making this meal.  Several Hidradenitis Suppurativa sufferers have found specific foods that cause their flare-ups.  On this list is tomatoes.  Tomatoes are not one of my "trigger" foods, so this recipe is safe for me. 

Ingredients

For the Turkey
1 lb. 99% fat-free ground turkey
2 tbsp. garlic, minced
1 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
1 tbsp. chili powder
1 tsp. cumin
1 tsp. basil
1 tsp. parsley

For the Chili
1 can, drained red kidney beans
1 can, drained white kidney beans (cannellini beans)
1 can chili beans in sauce (I use 'Wild Oats', organic)
1 can tomato soup, no sugar added (I use 'Imagine', organic brand)
1 can tomato sauce, no sugar added
1 can original Rotel (or chopped tomatoes)
1 red onion, chopped
3 tbsp. chili powder
1 tbsp. cumin
1 tsp. onion powder

• In a skillet, sauté garlic in olive oil for approximately 3 minutes.  Add the ground turkey and sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, basil and parsley.  Cook turkey until done.
• Meanwhile, in a crockpot, add all the ingredients under 'For the Chili'.  Add in the ground turkey.
• Cook on low for 6 hours. 



Garlic: Garlic is another superfood that lowers blood pressure, blood cholesterol and blood sugar.  Garlic also protects the liver and contains anti-tumor properties.  It has the ability of boosting the lymphatic system which functions as a defense in the immune system.  Garlic also reduces joint swelling and inflammation.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil:  Extra virgin olive oils have a phytonutrient called oleocanthal.  Studies have shown this natural phenolic compound helps fight inflammation.  Extra virgin olive oils are also rich in antioxidants which helps boost the immune system.

Chili Powder:  Chili powder is high in potassium which helps with the digestive process.  Chili powder is also a great source of vitamin A which helps your body create white blood cells (leukocytes).  White blood cells help fight off infections in the body.  

Cumin:  Cumin contains vitamin E and is known to treat skin disorders as well as boils.  This may be due to cumin being known as a detoxifying agent.  Cumin also has disinfectant properties which fight the free radicals that attack the skin. 

Basil:  Basil is known to reduce inflammation and swelling.  It contains an oil eugenol which are known to have anti-inflammatory properties.  Basil is also rich in antioxidants which help support the immune system.

Parsley: Parsley contains natural chemicals called phytonutrients, specifically flavonoids, which help prevent unnecessary inflammation throughout the body.  The oil in parsley has been known to decrease swelling and pain.  Parsley also contains histidine, an amino acid which helps with wound healing and helps repair tissue damage.  Parsley is also high in mineral content such as magnesium and zinc.  Magnesium is a common mineral that is lacking in our bodies.  A diet deficient in magnesium can cause inflammation.  Zinc has many anti-inflammatory benefits such has helping remove substances that cause inflammation in the cells.  Parsley is also high in vitamin C which boosts the immune system.  A strong immune system helps fight inflammatory disorders.

 Kidney Beans:  Kidney beans are an excellent source of folate and fiber which may help move toxins out of your body.  It has been suggested that diets high in fiber help prevent toxins from being discharged through the skin.  Kidney beans are also an excellent antioxidant which helps boost the immune system.   Kidney beans have also been known to reduce chronic inflammation.

Red Onion:  Red onions contain quercetin which has powerful antioxidants.  Quercetin is known to act like an anti-inflammatory by releasing histamine in the body.  Onions also contain chromium which help control the blood insulin levels.