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Chilli of Forgiveness

This turkey and butternut squash chilli is a nourishing twist on a classic comfort food favourite. Belonging to our high-protein category, this vibrant dish replaces traditional beef with lean minced turkey and earthy cannellini beans. The addition of rosemary, sage and Tuscan kale provides a sophisticated, savoury depth that elevates the meal beyond your average midweek dinner. It is a wonderful way to enjoy seasonal squash, offering a natural sweetness that balances the gentle heat of the red pepper flakes.

Perfect for those seeking a healthy yet satisfying evening meal, this one-pot wonder is ideal for batch cooking and meal prep. The flavours develop beautifully in the fridge, making leftovers a real treat, or you can freeze portions for a quick and nutritious lunch. Serve it simply with a grating of salty Parmesan to bring all the ingredients together for a wholesome, protein-packed feast the whole family will enjoy.

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Ingredients for Chilli of Forgiveness

  • 60ml olive oil

  • 1 large red onion, finely chopped

  • 6 garlic cloves, minced

  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped rosemary

  • Kosher salt

  • 2 teaspoons crushed red pepper

  • 675g ground dark-meat turkey (you can substitute lean pork mince)

  • 2 (800g) cans whole peeled tomatoes, drained, juices reserved,and chopped

  • 900g diced butternut squash 2 (425g) cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

  • 450g Tuscan kale (also called dinosaur or Lacinato kale), stems discarded, leaves roughly chopped (about 8 cups)

  • 12 large sage leaves, finely sliced

  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Put the olive oil in a large heavy pot set over medium-high heat, add the onion, garlic, rosemary and a large pinch of salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is just barely softened, about 5 minutes. Add the crushed red pepper and toast for 30 seconds. Add the turkey and cook, stirring occasionally, until the meat is cooked through and quite browned and its moisture has evaporated, 10 to 15 minutes.

Add the tomatoes and their juices to the pot, along with another big pinch of salt, increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil. Turn the heat to low and gently simmer, uncovered, until the tomatoes lose their tin-can taste, about 20 minutes.

Stir in the squash, cover the pot and cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the squash is just tender, about 20 minutes. Add the beans, kale and sage and cook, uncovered, until the kale is just wilted, about 5 minutes. Season with salt. Ladle the chilli into bowls and top each portion with grated Parmesan.

The chilli can be refrigerated for up to 1 week. Reheat it over medium-low heat, stirring often. It also freezes very well for up to 2 months.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 28 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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