The first step is to season the ground turkey. To make this chili flavorful, I use my Sofrito. It’s made with an aromatic blend of garlic, onion, peppers, salt, black pepper, and more that infuse so much flavor into the meat. Of course, you can use any seasoning of your preference. Combine and set aside.
Next, in a large pot, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Cook the turkey for 3–4 minutes, breaking up the meat with a spoon. Then, add the onion and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes or until softened. My sofrito already has garlic, so I omit it in this step. If you end up not using my sofrito recipe (which I highly recommend), then this is when you add the garlic. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chicken broth, chili powder, smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon granulated sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Stir and then add a secret ingredient, cocoa powder. The cocoa flavor adds an incredible depth to this dish.
Then, add the beans. I like to drain and rinse the canned beans to remove any metallic flavor sometimes found in cans.
Continue cooking for 30–35 minutes, stirring occasionally or until the chili has thickened. Taste and add more salt and pepper if desired.
Serve immediately with your preferred toppings. I garnished my plate with shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and a few slices of jalapeño pepper for a little more kick!