Description
Hearty pumpkin chili delivers a comforting Mexican-inspired twist on classic comfort food. Warm spices and rich pumpkin create a deep, satisfying meal that welcomes fall flavors with delicious complexity, drawing you into a bowl of pure culinary comfort.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef or ground turkey
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (if using lean meat)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Canned and Liquid Ingredients:
- 1 (15 ounces/425 grams) can pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 (14.5 ounces/411 grams) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounces/425 grams) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 ounces/425 grams) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 ½ cups (360 milliliters) chicken or beef broth
Spices and Seasonings:
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional, for warmth)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Sauté aromatic onions and vibrant bell peppers in a robust Dutch oven, creating a flavorful foundation for the hearty chili.
- Introduce lean ground meat to the pan, carefully browning and separating the protein into delicate crumbles, removing any excess rendering.
- Awaken the spices – chili powder, cumin, paprika, and subtle cinnamon – allowing their intense aromatics to bloom and intermingle with the meat.
- Integrate velvety pumpkin puree, creating a rich, autumnal base that transforms the traditional chili into a seasonal delicacy.
- Pour in fire-roasted diced tomatoes, protein-packed beans, and savory broth, stirring thoroughly to marry all ingredients.
- Allow the mixture to reach a gentle boil, then reduce to a languid simmer, letting flavors meld and intensify over 25 minutes.
- Periodically taste and calibrate the seasoning, ensuring a perfectly balanced flavor profile.
- Ladle the steaming chili into robust bowls, adorning with optional garnishes like tangy sour cream, sharp shredded cheese, crisp green onions, or crunchy tortilla chips.
Notes
- Swap ground meat with plant-based alternatives like lentils or crumbled tofu for a vegetarian version that maintains protein richness.
- Consider using low-sodium broth and beans to control salt intake, especially for health-conscious individuals watching their sodium levels.
- Roast extra bell peppers and onions before adding to intensify their natural sweetness and add deeper flavor complexity to the chili.
- Freeze leftover chili in individual portions for quick, hearty meals during busy weeknights, ensuring maximum convenience and minimal food waste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 10 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg