Panera Copycat Turkey Chili

Posted on

Panera bread‘s Turkey Chili is a beloved comfort food, a hearty and flavorful dish that warms the soul. But today, we’re taking this classic recipe on a global culinary adventure, blending it with diverse flavors and techniques to create a truly unique dining experience.

Ingredients:

1 pound ground turkey

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 (15-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Lime wedges, for serving
  • Avocado, for serving
  • Tortilla chips, for serving

  • Panera Turkey Chili (Copycat) Kathleen’s Cravings

    Image Source: kathleenscravings.com

    Preparation Process:

    1. Brown the Ground Turkey: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease.
    2. Sauté the Vegetables: Add the onion, garlic, and bell pepper to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
    3. Add the Wet Ingredients: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, pinto beans, vegetable broth, chili powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer, uncovered, for 30-45 minutes, or until thickened.
    4. Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, avocado, and tortilla chips.

    Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

    Serving Ideas:

    Mexican Fiesta: Serve with corn tortillas, shredded cheese, sour cream, and salsa.

  • Thai Twist: Add a splash of fish sauce, a squeeze of lime, and a handful of fresh basil. Serve with rice noodles.
  • Indian Fusion: Temper whole spices like cumin seeds and mustard seeds in hot oil before adding to the chili. Serve with naan bread.

  • A Fusion of Flavors

    This recipe is a testament to the power of culinary fusion. It draws inspiration from a variety of cultures, blending the bold flavors of Mexican cuisine with the earthy spices of Indian cooking and the refreshing acidity of Thai dishes.

    By combining these diverse influences, we’ve created a dish that is both familiar and exotic, a symphony of flavors that dances on the palate. It’s a reminder that the culinary world is a vast and exciting place, full of endless possibilities.