Panera Copycat: Turkey Chili You Can Make At Home

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Panera bread‘s turkey chili has long been a comfort food favorite, its hearty blend of flavors satisfying cravings and warming souls. Inspired by this classic, we embark on a culinary journey, infusing it with the vibrant hues of global cuisine. This dish, a harmonious fusion of cultures, promises to elevate your taste buds to new heights.

Ingredients:

1 pound ground turkey

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
  • Lime wedges, for serving
  • Sour cream, for serving
  • Shredded cheddar cheese, for serving
  • Avocado, for serving

  • Panera Turkey Chili Recipe (copycat)
    Panera Turkey Chili Recipe (copycat)

    Image Source: savorywithsoul.com

    Preparation Process:

    1. Brown the Turkey: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease.
    2. Sauté the Aromatics: Add the onion, garlic, and bell pepper to the pot. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
    3. Combine Ingredients: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, pinto beans, black beans, chicken broth, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer, uncovered, for 1-2 hours, or until thickened.
    4. Serve: Ladle chili into bowls and garnish with cilantro, lime wedges, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and avocado.

    Total Time: 2-3 hours

    Serving Ideas:

    Mexican Fiesta: Serve with corn tortillas, salsa, and guacamole.

  • Indian Fusion: Top with raita, naan, and a sprinkle of garam masala.
  • Classic Comfort: Pair with cornbread, butter, and a side salad.

  • Cultural Influences:

    This recipe draws inspiration from diverse culinary traditions around the globe. The base of the chili, a hearty stew, is rooted in American comfort food. The addition of spices like cumin and paprika, however, nods to the rich flavors of Mexican cuisine. The final touch, a garnish of cilantro and lime, brings a refreshing zing, reminiscent of Thai and Vietnamese dishes.

    The fusion of these cultures creates a dish that is both familiar and exotic, a testament to the power of culinary exploration. It is a symphony of flavors, a celebration of diversity, and a testament to the universal language of food.