TheStorkFork

This column contributed by guest columnist Mama B +1.

Baby, it's cold outside...

What warms an expectant family's home and stomach better than a hot bowl of chili on a wintery Sunday afternoon? This recipe is delicious and non-intimidating - it's a fast, easy way to make one of the ultimate comfort foods - chili. By using ground turkey, we not only cut down on fat, but add lots of lean protein and iron - the black beans offer additional protein as well as the much needed, folic acid.

Making this chili fills the home with a cozy smell and gets everyone looking forward to the meal for hours in advance. In making this, you can imagine that your new baby will someday beg you to make your special chili.

B's Lip-Smackin' Easy Chili- Serves 2-4 - File under iron, protein and folic acid.

1 medium onion

2-4 cloves fresh garlic

2 TBSP Extra Virgin Olive Oil

1 LB ground turkey (can substitute ground beef)

2 cans of black beans

1 jar of medium salsa

2 cups of water

1 1/2 TBSP Cumin

1 TBSP Chili Powder

Salt & Pepper to taste

Chili Flakes to taste

Shredded Cheddar Cheese

Sour Cream

Tortilla shells or chips

*Coat the bottom of a large pot or dutch oven (~6 quarts) with olive oil. Add the onions, garlic & cumin, turn the heat on med-high to saute the mixture. They will be ready once the onions become transparent.

*In a separate saucepan, brown the turkey or beef until mostly cooked. You can start by putting some oil in the pan if you've purchased extremely lean turkey meat - we prefer 7% as it has a bit more flavor from the fat.

*Add the black beans, jar of salsa, chili powder, chili flakes and 2 cups of water to the onion, garlic & cumin mixture. Once the meat is mostly cooked, add it to the larger pot. Season with some salt & pepper. Let the chili simmer, mostly covered, for 30 or more minutes.

*Serve with shredded cheddar cheese and 1 teaspoon of sour cream. Also, if you have any, the leftovers freeze well. Serve with a rolled up tortilla shell (we used whole wheat) or tortilla chips for dipping.

Stork Fork Food Tip:

If you'd like to cut the fat of the sour cream, try using plain yogurt in its place. Also, Daddys tend to enjoy a bowl of chili with a nice cold Brooklyn Brewery Pilsner.