The Smoky Twist For Fall And Winter Chili That's Twice As Comforting And Warm

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Cooler weather is coming soon, bringing with it the opportunity to prepare your favorite warm dishes. Before you dig out your go-to chili recipe, consider giving your next pot a smoky twist with one simple seasoning. Take a cue from Tasting Table's smoky turkey chili recipe and add smoked paprika to the mix. Its bold, smoky flavor will instantly elevate your meal, making it twice as comforting and warm.

Tasting Table's recipe calls for a base of lean ground turkey, black beans, and tomatoes, accented by aromatics including garlic and onions and a scrumptious blend of savory seasonings. Among these seasonings are cinnamon, oregano, chili powder, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. 

The difference between regular and smoked paprika is that the latter uses peppers that are cured with smoke before they are crushed. This process gives the spice a more complex and robust flavor profile. As turkey is relatively mild in taste, the addition of smoked paprika is particularly helpful in amping up the overall flavor of your chili. To incorporate it, add smoked paprika along with the rest of your spices and aromatics as the turkey cooks.

While this warm and comforting dish may be excellent as is, you can also change up the ingredients for a pot of chili that's fully customized to your preferences. Though Tasting Table's recipe calls for turkey, there are plenty of other protein options. Try swapping Gardein plant-based ground be'f for ground turkey and using vegetable broth in lieu of a chicken variety for a vegetarian-friendly twist on this smoky chili. Of course, you can also use ground pork or beef, but you may want to drain any excess fat after cooking the meat and prior to adding your smoked paprika and other seasonings to prevent your chili from becoming too oily. Alternatively, use ground bison for a lean, smoky chili that swaps beef for a richer red meat.

As for serving your chili, consider topping it with lime wedges, chopped cilantro, red onion, and shredded cheddar cheese. Add a dollop of sour cream on top to counteract the spice if you want to mellow the heat. Otherwise, lean into the chili's spicy and smoky flavors with a batch of jalapeño cornbread to accompany the dish. For a milder side, try sweet corn muffins or garlic knots. Stretch your chili even further by serving it over rice, pasta, or a baked potato.