White Turkey Chili with cornmeal

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Step 1

Cook the Turkey

Step 2

Heat olive oil over medium heat in a saucepan or small Dutch oven.

Step 3

Add turkey, season lightly with salt and pepper.

Step 4

Cook until browned and cooked through.

Step 5

Remove turkey and set aside.

Step 6

2️⃣ Sauté the Vegetables

Step 7

In the same pan, add onion, garlic, carrot, and zucchini.

Step 8

Cook 4–5 minutes, stirring, until softened.

Step 9

3️⃣ Build the Chili

Step 10

Stir in cumin, smoked paprika, oregano/thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using).

Step 11

Add broth and cooked turkey.

Step 12

Bring to a gentle simmer and cook 8–10 minutes.

Step 13

4️⃣ Add Beans & Thicken Naturally

Step 14

Stir in white beans.

Step 15

Mash 2 tablespoons of beans against the side of the pot.

Step 16

Stir mashed beans back into the chili.

Step 17

Simmer 3–5 minutes uncovered until slightly thickened.

Step 18

✔ Chili should be fully cooked, seasoned, and gently simmering.

Step 19

5️⃣ Make the Dumpling Batter (Medium-Grind Step)

Step 20

In a bowl, mix:

Step 21

½ cup medium-grind cornmeal

Step 22

½ cup warm milk

Step 23

Let sit 10 minutes to soften the cornmeal.

Step 24

After soaking, stir in:

Step 25

Flour

Step 26

Baking powder

Step 27

Salt

Step 28

Garlic/onion powder (if using)

Step 29

Olive oil

Step 30

Yogurt or cashew cream (if using)

Step 31

👉 Batter should be thick and scoopable, not runny.

Step 32

6️⃣ Cook the Dumplings

Step 33

Make sure chili is at a gentle simmer (not boiling).

Step 34

Drop 4–5 heaping tablespoons of batter on top

Step 35

(slightly larger dumplings work best with medium grind).

Step 36

Do not stir.

Step 37

Cover tightly and simmer 14–15 minutes.

Step 38

Do not lift the lid while cooking.

Step 39

Dumplings are done when firm on top and cooked through.

Step 40

7️⃣ Finish with Cashew Cream

Step 41

Turn heat to low.

Step 42

Gently stir in remaining cashew cream around the dumplings.

Step 43

Warm 1–2 minutes — do not boil.

Step 44

8️⃣ Serve

Step 45

Taste and adjust seasoning

Step 46

Add lemon squeeze if desired

Step 47

Garnish with parsley or cilantro

Step 48

Serve immediately (dumplings are best fresh)

Step 49

Helpful Notes

Step 50

Soaking is essential for medium-grind cornmeal

Step 51

Gentle heat keeps dumplings ten