Quick Green Chili

From the Cleveland Plain Dealer November 21, 2007 (the day before Thanksgiving), this recipe is fresh and healthy while also being filling and almost addicting. For example, we had to eat before I could take this photo of the finished product... so you're looking at the leftovers. :)

Quick Green Chili

2 Tablespoons olive oil
1 large yellow onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon oregano
5 sweet Italian precooked sausages (12-ounce package), cut into small chunks (we use chicken sausage)
1 1/2 pounds ground chicken or turkey
5 medium tomatillos, husks removed, washed and diced
2 Tablespoons pickled jalapeño pepper slices, diced
half of a 12-ounce bottle pale ale beer
2 cups chicken broth
14-ounce can navy or other white beans (we use cannellini), drained
5-ounce package baby spinach leaves
juice from 1 lime
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
salt and pepper to taste

In a large stockpot, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion, garlic, cumin, paprika, chili powder and oregano. Sauté until the onion is just tender, about 3-4 minutes.

Add the sausage and ground turkey. Sauté another 10 minutes or until the sausage and turkey begin to brown. Add the tomatillos, jalapeños, and half of the beer. (Drink the other half.) :)

Bring to a simmer, and cook until the beer has mostly reduced, about 2 minutes. Add the broth and beans and return to a simmer. Cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the spinach and stir until wilted, about 5 minutes.

Remove the chili from the heat and stir in the lime juice and cilantro. Season with salt and pepper.

Makes 6 servings; freezes well.