Turkey Chili and Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie

Last week I was down for the count - In bed sick for a week.   So what is a girl to do watch the food network of course!!  I was partially awake when Rachel Ray came on the tube and this particular recipe peeked my interest.   I finally am feeling almost human and felt like it was time to get back among the living and back in the kitchen!!  OH MY this one did not dissapoint.  Not only was it easy to make but the taste  was amazing and talk about comfort food.  It was incredible and I will be  making this one again.   

Turkey Chili and Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 pounds sweet potatoes, 4-5 potatoes, peeled and cubed
• Salt
• 2 teaspoons orange zest
• 4 tablespoons butter, cut into pieces
• 1 cup creme fraiche or sour cream
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Freshly grated nutmeg, to taste
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)
• 2 pounds ground turkey
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 small chile peppers, red fresno, jalapeno or serrano
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 2-3 large cloves garlic, chopped
• 3 tablespoons chili powder (recommended: Gerhardt’s)
• 1 tablespoon smoked sweet paprika
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin, (a palmful)
• 1 tablespoon ground coriander, (a palmful)
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 2-3 cups turkey or chicken stock
• 2 cups shredded sharp yellow Cheddar

Preparation

Add the potatoes to a large pot, cover with water and bring to a boil over medium heat. Salt the water and cook to tender about 12-15 minutes. Drain and return to hot pot. Add the zest, butter, creme fraiche or sour cream, salt, pepper and nutmeg, to taste.

While potatoes are coming to a boil, heat a chili pot with EVOO, 2 turns of the pan, over medium-high to high heat. Add the turkey and brown, then add in the onions and cook 2-3 minutes. Chop the peppers, then add them along with the garlic to the turkey. Stir in the spices, and add salt and pepper, to taste. Cook for 8-10 minutes, then add the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Stir in the stock and simmer a few minutes to thicken and combine flavors.

Pre-heat the broiler.

Transfer the chili to a casserole, spread the potatoes over the top and cover with Cheddar cheese. Brown under the broiler until golden and serve.