How to Make Navy Bean and Sausage Chili

Chili is a spicy stew that can be made with meat (chili con carne) or without (sin carne). There are many variations of this dish throughout the Americas. It is usually prepared with ground beef and some recipes even call for the addition of red kidney beans or corn. Often chili can be found as a cheap meal made with leftovers.

This recipe is my own variation of "white chili" using my favorite spices, navy beans and turkey sausages.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 1 lb bag of navy beans
• 1 onion (finely chopped)
• 1 green pepper (diced)
• 2 stalks celery (finely chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 jalapeño pepper (seeded and minced)
• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 6-8 cups water
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 Tbsp chili powder
• 2 Tbsp cumin
• 1 Tbsp garlic powder
• 1 Tbsp turmeric
• 1 Tbsp salt
• 2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1 14.5-oz can diced tomatoes
• 1 lb package smoked turkey sausage (thinly sliced)
• shredded cheese (optional)
• chopped green onion (optional)

1. 
    

   In advance of cooking, prep beans according to the package directions. You will either soak beans over night or you can perform a "quick soak" by boiling the beans for a minute and then leave to soak for an hour or more in a covered pot.
   
   Drain and rinse soaked beans, then set aside.

2. 
    

   Heat oil in stockpot over medium high flame. Sauté onion, garlic, celery, green bell pepper and jalapeño peppers until onions are translucent and the other vegetables are slightly tender.

3. Add water, beans, tomatoes and spices to the sautéed vegetables. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to a low flame. Simmer for approximately 1 hour, stirring occasionally.

4. 
    

   Add smoked turkey sausage and replace cover. Continue simmering for another 30-45 minutes or until beans are tender. Smash some of the beans by mashing them with a heavy spoon against the sides of the pot. Stir well.

5. Serve in bowls and garnish with shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions and/or a dollop of sour cream.

Tips & Warnings

• Use crushed red pepper in place of the jalapeño pepper or as an additional garnish.
• To save time, use frozen bell pepper and onion blends instead of chopping your own.
• Chili goes well on hot dogs, in baked potatoes, served over rice or as a dip for corn chips.
• Sort beans well prior to soaking. Rocks and other foreign substances may be packaged along with the beans.
• Smoked turkey sausage can be somewhat salty by themselves. This recipe is conservative in the amount of salt it calls for. You should only adjust salt according to taste AFTER sausages have simmered in the chili.

Resources

• Get Quality Spices For Less
• Great Recipes with Rice
• No time to cook? Get help balancing work and home life.

[geekmommy4]

on 6/21/2009 Sounds like a great recipe! Thanks!

[buckweber]

on 6/15/2009 Chili (cheese) dogs...mmmmm!!! Great article! 5* and a rec!

[goodselfme]

on 6/13/2009 Delicious sounding Navy bean and sausage recipe.5*

[michellen]

on 6/12/2009 Sounds great! 5*s

[joycetmann]

on 6/12/2009 This article makes me want to die and go to culinary heaven. Navy Bean and Sausage Chili sound yummy!5* and rec