Mikey's Fire Chili

In a medium-large pot, brown 1.5 lbs 93/7 ground turkey. Strain fat and set turkey aside. Using the same pot, heat 2-3 tbsp. olive oil and saute about 1.5 cups chopped onion. When onion is just starting to soften, add 1/4 cup minced garlic, 1-2 chopped jalepenos, 1 chopped bell pepper, 1 cup chopped carrots, 1 cup chopped celery, and add the ground turkey and toss well. Add 1/2 cup chili powder, 1/4 cup hot paprika, 2 tbsp black pepper, 2 tbsp salt, 1 tbsp ground sage, 1 tbsp dried basil. Toss to coat all meat and veggies with spices. add 4 cups hot water, 1 large can crushed tomatoes. Heat to a soft boil, cover and reduce heat. Simmer for 30 minutes, then add 2 cups sweet corn, 1 cup quartered baby bella mushrooms, and 2 cans of black or pinto beans. Simmer for 20 minutes more. Season to taste and serve.

Tips:

• Use what you have on hand. I made some of the ingredients vague for a reason. I've been using red onion, but you can certainly use a sweet yellow or brown onion if that's what you have.
• I recently bought minced garlic in a jar that I keep in the fridge, and it works great, tastes good, and is easier and faster to use than cutting it fresh.
  
• From making bbq rubs all summer, I've learned to use quality chili powders and paprikas. The cheap stuff really doesn't taste like anything. Further, try searching for these in your neighborhood mom-n-pop grocery stores. I use a Thai chili powder from an asian market, and it is hot and tastes great. A nice hot paprika to use is Szeged Hungarian paprika, which you can find at your major supermarkets as well.
• When I made this chili, I actually didn't have black beans or pinto beans. I didn't feel like taking a quick run to the store, but I did have 2 cans of black-eyed-peas, which I threw in, and it turned out great.

Remember to be innovative and resorceful in your kitchen, and try to use what you have. A few simple vegetables and ingredients is all you need to create a variety of dishes. Enjoy! Post feedback please if you've used this recipe! Thanks!