Description

This hearty and flavorful low-sodium chili is perfect for those who want a comforting bowl of chili without the extra salt. Packed with lean ground turkey, fiber-rich beans, and a medley of vegetables and spices, this dish proves that you don’t need a lot of sodium to enjoy a robust and satisfying meal. Perfect for weeknights or meal prep, this chili is both nutritious and delicious.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb lean ground turkey or chicken
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium bell pepper, diced (any color)
1 medium zucchini, diced
1 cup diced tomatoes (no salt added)
1 ½ cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp tomato paste (no salt added)
2 tsp chili powder
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp ground coriander
½ tsp black pepper
¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
Juice of 1 lime
2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Prepare the Base:
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the pot and set aside.
Cook the Vegetables:
In the same pot, sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Add the bell pepper and zucchini, cooking for another 5 minutes until softened.
Combine the Ingredients:
Return the browned turkey to the pot. Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and spices (chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, coriander, black pepper, and cayenne, if using). Cook for 2 minutes to toast the spices.
Simmer the Chili:
Add the low-sodium broth and beans. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Finish and Serve:
Stir in the lime juice before serving to brighten the flavors. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

For added texture, consider topping the chili with diced avocado or a dollop of plain Greek yogurt (low sodium).
This recipe is naturally gluten-free if your broth and beans are certified gluten-free.
Adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the cayenne pepper.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Lunch
Method: Simmering
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1 ½ cups)
Calories: 280
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 9g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 55mg

Keywords: Low-Sodium Chili, Healthy Chili, No Salt Added, Easy Chili Recipe, Gluten-Free