Colorful leaves are falling from trees, the air is turning a little brisk and apples are in harvest. Fall has arrived and there is no better way to welcome this season than with a warm bowl of chili filled with the flavors of fall. We’ve made low carb chili with a twist that’s slightly sweet with cinnamon yet carries a smoky zest. That delicious combination with an apple texture makes this the perfect dish for this time of year.
To make this chili keto friendly while maintaining a hearty texture, we replaced the classic kidney beans with squash. Yes, squash; another favorite fall food. Chayote squash is well known in the keto world as a great apple substitute thanks to their similarity in texture. Apples have a higher sugar content which brings along higher carbs. One medium apple has about 25 g of carbs. That’s my total allotted carbs for the day in one piece of fruit. On the other hand, one whole chayote squash, same size as the medium apple, only has about 9 g of total carbs.
Native to central Mexico, the chayote squash is kind of the Mexican variant of the zucchini. It looks like an odd pear in color and shape but belongs in the same family as zucchini and cucumbers. Chayote is quite versatile in use and flavor. You’ll find recipes using it raw, boiled, fried or steamed while making it savory or sweet. Naturally, chayote squash is crisp, hard and juicy with very mild taste that’s slightly sweet. Some compare the taste to a jicama. Either way you enjoy this unique squash you’ll benefit from its rich nutrient content, low calories and lower carbs.
In this recipe we are steaming the squash and making it slightly sweet with the addition of cinnamon. Utilizing ground turkey vs ground beef keeps the calories lower than traditional chili but keeps it flavorful and just as filling.
This is an easy chili recipe to follow. You add all ingredients into one pan and let it simmer into a thick tasty meal. Wait until you experience the aroma, taste and texture of this keto turkey “apple” chili.
Want to try another amazing keto turkey recipe?
Once you try our keto air fryer turkey breast recipe, you’ll crave it every week!
Left over chayote? Make these yummy treats, keto “apple” cinnamon doughnut holes
Keto Turkey "Apple" Chili
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 4 tbsp sugar free ketchup I use Heinz
- 3 tbsp yellow onion chopped
- 4 tsp chili powder
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 clove garlic minced
- 3 cup chicken broth
- 2 medium chayote squash chopped
- 1.5 tsp kosher salt
- 0.25 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil extra virgin
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat avocado oil
- add ground turkey, garlic and yellow onion. cook turkey thoroughly
- add ketchup, chili powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, cinnamon. Stir and cook for 5 min
- add apple cider vinegar, chicken broth, salt and black pepper. Stir well
- add chayote squash and bring to a boil
- reduce heat, cover and simmer until chayote squash is tender and sauce thickens, about 45 min. Stir occasionally
- serve immediately
- Nutritional information 6 g net carbs per serving