Turkey Black-Bean Chili--a Super Bowl Meal !

The Super Bowl is coming! Time for parties in front of the biggest flat-screen you can find. Even if you aren't a big football fan, it's a fun American ritual to go to the parties. I actually first realized my (future) hubby was adorable when I saw him asleep in front of a Super Bowl game. All the other guys were yelling and screaming all around him. Yet, Alan slept. Propped up against the couch, in a light blue sweater. He looked like a cherub asleep on a cloud in heaven...We got married a year later.

Anyhoo,enough about romance. Time to put on your helmets and make up a big pot of Chili. This is a really yummy version that is easy and also (suprise!) actually HEALTHY! Beans are good for you, so is ground Turkey. From blogger Lori Longbotham. Yield: 4 serving

2 T vegetable oil
1 onion, diced
1 1/2 T chili powder
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 t ground cumin
1 bay leaf
1/4 t. anise seeds (optional)
1/2 t. ground coriander
1/2 lb.ground turkey (or beef if you have finicky people around)
1 can (16 oz.) whole tomatoes in thick puree, undrained
1 can (15 oz.) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 red bell pepper, diced
1-2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and minced
salt and cayenne pepper, to taste
2 T. minced fresh cilantro
Essential Garnishes: Sour cream, grated cheddar cheese, minced green onions, minced fresh cilantro and/or sliced avocado (or guacamole).

Heat oil in a heavy Dutch oven or large pot over medium-high heat. Add onion; cook, sttirring occasionally, 5 minutes, or until onion is soft. Add chili powder, garlic, cumin, bay leaf, anise seeds ( I left em out) and coriander, mix well. Cook, stirring, 3 minutes. Add ground turkey or beef; cook, stirring occasionally, 5-7 minutes, or until pink disappears. Add tomatoes with their liquid, black beans, bell pepper, jalepenos, salt and cayenne. Bring to a boil. Remove from stovetop and put in 350 degree oven, uncovered, 45 minutes. Stir twice. Take out of oven and stir in cilantro. Serve hot with various garnishes to pass. Tortilla chips or corn bread is excellent with this!