Low-Fat Low-Cal Chili

This chili has become a favorite at BOCES, where I work.  I made a batch tonight, after my coworkers made numerous requests for it!  It's pretty simple to make, and because it is made with ground chicken or turkey and lots of fresh vegetables, its really low in fat and calories (one serving has less than 200 calories, if you don't add cheese and tortilla chips, like I do!).

Redhead Chicken/Turkey Chili: (adapted from Wegmans Menu magazine)
-2 tbsp olive oil
-2 lbs ground chicken or turkey (I use chicken, 'cuz it's cheaper!)
-2 tbsp minced garlic
-2 sweet red peppers, diced
-2 green peppers, diced
-1 large yellow onion, diced
-3 tbsp chili powder
-2 tbsp worcestershire sauce
-1 tbsp soy sauce
-3 dried bay leaves
-dash each of ground cloves, celery salt, onion salt, garlic powder
-3 tsp ground cumin
-2 tbsp sugar
-2 (14.5 oz) cans diced tomatoes
-1 carton (32 oz) low sodium chicken broth
-2 (15.5 oz) cans white beans
-1 (15.5 oz) can corn
-1/4 cup ketchup
-1/4 cup BBQ sauce (your preference, I used Wegmans Memphis BBQ sauce)
-1 tbsp hot sauce (again, your preference, I used Franks Red Hot)
-salt and pepper to taste

In a large (and in charge) stock pot, heat the olive oil on high heat.  Add the ground chicken or turkey, and brown, using a spoon or spatula to crumble the meat as it cooks. 

Once the meat has browned, add the garlic, chili powder, cumin, cloves. celery salt, onion salt, garlic powder, worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, bay leaves, and sugar.  Stir. 

Next add the onions and peppers, and allow them to cook for 3-4 mins, stirring to prevent the meat from browning too much (if you think the meat is starting to burn, add a little bit of the chicken broth).  Add the rest of the ingredients.  Bring the chili to a boil, then turn the heat down to low and allow the chili to simmer for 30-45 mins, although longer than that wouldn't hurt.

Taste it!  Want more deep, hearty flavor?  Add some more chili powder and cumin.  Sweeter?  Add more sugar and BBQ sauce.  Want more of a smokey flavor?  Use a hickory flavored BBQ sauce.  Want more kick?  Add more hot sauce.  Experiment people!  Make it your own!  It's just chili, which is pretty hard to screw up.  Just add a little bit of whatever you are adding at a time, and taste taste taste.  Like I said, I like to eat my chili with some crushed tortilla chips for added crunch, and a little bit of cheddar cheese on top.  Corn bread or fresh, whole wheat rolls would be lovely also.  Just don't eat those bay leaves.  If you make the chili a day head, the flavors really come together when it sits in your fridge overnight.  Enjoy!