Who can resist chili cheese nachos? Staggeringly high in fat, sodium and calories, this appetizer is usually a diet killer, but not here. With this lightened version you can still enjoy the great taste of meaty chili atop crunchy tortilla chips, complete with melted cheese sauce-only now, without a side of guilt. Speaking of sides, feel free to add guacamole, more salsa, light sour cream, or even more vegetables.
Makes 4 servings
8 ounces lean ground turkey (or 93% lean ground beef)
3/4 cup diced onion
1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
Pinch of cayenne pepper
1/2 cup fire-roasted tomatoes
1/2 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
3 ounces reduced-fat tortilla chips (about 25 chips)
2 teaspoons margarine or butter
2 teaspoons all-purpose flour
1/2 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
Pinch of garlic powder
1 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
1. Spray a medium skillet with non-stick cooking spray and place over medium high heat. Add ground turkey, onion, and red bell pepper to pan, breaking meat apart with a spoon. Cook until meat is browned and vegetables are soft, about 10 minutes.
2. Stir in chili powder, cumin and cayenne pepper. Stir in tomatoes and 1/2 cup water. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in beans and heat until warmed. Cover to keep warm and remove from heat.
3. In a small saucepan over low heat, melt margarine and flour and whisk until smooth. Add chicken broth and and garlic powder and bring to a boil, stirring continuously for about 1 minute. Remove from heat and whisk in cheese one-half cup at a time.
4. Spread chips out onto a serving platter. Spoon chili mixture evenly onto chips and then drizzle cheese mixture over chili. Top with your favorite garnishes and serve.
Dare to Compare: A single order of Chili Cheese Nachos at Applebee’s serves up 1,680 calories, 107 grams of fat, 133 grams of carbohydrates, and 3,850 mg sodium!
Nutrition Information Per Serving (about 6 loaded chips)
Calories 160 | Carbohydrate 12g (Sugars 4g) | Total Fat 7g (Sat Fat 2g) | Protein 13g | Fiber 3g | Cholesterol 45 mg | Sodium 260 mg Food Exchanges: 2 Lean Meat, 1 Starch
Carbohydrate Choices: 1 Weight Watcher Point Comparison: 4 Smart Point Comparison: 4
