Comfort food takes on a new meaning with this recipe for Chili Mac from the March issue of Cooking Light magazine. Usually, ground turkey is a “non event”……you know what I mean – not a lot of taste, and kinda spongy in a dish. Not when spiced to the max in this one dish wonder!
Trust me on this one, the leftovers are even better than the main event. As if that were not enough, the recipe makes two large dishes of yumminess – one for now, and one for the freezer. (Freeze for up to 2 months, without the cheese. Thaw, add the cheese, cover with foil, and reheat at 400 degrees for 20 minutes). Can you say “time-saver”? Yep, thought so.
Simple items we changed: had some leftover roasted red peppers, so diced and added in lieu of the green bell peppers. Added some chopped black olives. Omitted the onion and added lots more garlic. Our marinara was only about 3.5 cups, and it was the perfect amount. (Don’t think I’d recommend using a full 4 cups, unless you like it a bit on the runny side.) Added some grated fresh parmesan on top, for a bit of additional flavor.
Served with hot bread, which cooks nestled alongside the chili mac, and a side of sautéed kale with garlic and olive oil. Or you could add a simple green salad to get your veggies for the meal.
Let’s dive in – No need to wait to enjoy – eat it while the gooey cheese on top is melty!
Our Kitchen Inventions 
Very nice & hard to believe it comes from Cooking Light. I’m printing this one out since I’m trying to collect as many freezable dishes as possible (that new hip in the future you know?).
LikeLike
Definitely make and freeze this one. We totally enjoyed the dish, and will make it again. Leftovers are perfect the next day, as it all seems to “meld” together…don’t skimp on the spices, as they made all the difference in flavoring the turkey. When is The Hip happening?
LikeLike
Seeing the surgeon next week but I don’t know how fast he can schedule the surgery. If he could do it the next day, I’d be there with my pj’s. It’s gotten so bad that I can’t do much & there’s all kinds of popping & grinding going on.
LikeLike
Yikes! Keep me updated, and hope all goes well with the procedure. Folks I know tell me it is the best thing they did, and should have done it sooner!
LikeLike
I’ve heard the same & frankly I’ve been dealing with this since LAST May while they go through all of the “try this’ & try that’s”, then xrays which of course lead to MRI’s, and getting a specialist is a 4 month wait so I’m actually looking forward to next wk’s appt. so I can at least have a date
LikeLike
Fingers crossed that all goes well and you can get back to enjoying a hip without pain!
LikeLike
Oh dear, I was so busy I forgot to have Lunch – now reading this, I am ‘starving’. Delicious.
LikeLike
Sorry to make you so hungry – LOL! – Go get some food!!
LikeLike