Pumpkin Chili

🖋️ Written by Emma

Why Make This Recipe

Pumpkin chili is a warm and comforting dish that combines the rich flavors of pumpkin with traditional chili ingredients. This recipe is perfect for chilly days or when you need a hearty meal that’s easy to prepare. It’s packed with protein, fiber, and good-for-you ingredients, making it a nutritious option for the whole family.

How to Make Pumpkin Chili

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Italian sausage
• 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 can fire-roasted tomatoes
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth

Directions:

1. In a large pot, brown the Italian sausage over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and bell pepper to the pot. Cook until they are softened.
3. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
4. Add the rinsed black beans, fire-roasted tomatoes, pumpkin puree, and broth.
5. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
7. Serve hot.

How to Serve Pumpkin Chili

Pumpkin chili can be served in bowls, topped with your favorite garnishes. Consider adding shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro for added flavor. It pairs well with cornbread or crusty bread for a complete meal.

How to Store Pumpkin Chili

Store any leftover pumpkin chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, simply thaw and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

Tips to Make Pumpkin Chili

• Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking for a spicier chili.
• You can use ground turkey or beef instead of Italian sausage for a different flavor.
• Adding a touch of brown sugar can balance the spices and enhance the sweetness of the pumpkin.

Variation

You can make a vegetarian version of pumpkin chili by omitting the Italian sausage and adding extra beans or vegetables like corn or zucchini.

FAQs

Q: Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of pumpkin puree?
A: Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin. Just make sure to cook and puree it before adding it to the chili.

Q: How spicy is this chili?
A: The spice level depends on how much chili powder you use. You can start with less and add more if you prefer it spicier.

Q: Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?
A: Yes, you can brown the sausage and then add all the ingredients to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

Pumpkin Chili

A warm and comforting chili combining pumpkin with traditional ingredients, perfect for chilly days.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb Italian sausage Can use ground turkey or beef as alternatives.
• 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 can fire-roasted tomatoes
• 1 cup pumpkin puree Fresh pumpkin can be used instead.
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium bell pepper, diced
• 1 tablespoon chili powder Adjust quantity for desired spice level.
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• to taste Salt and pepper
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth

Method

 

Cooking

1. In a large pot, brown the Italian sausage over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and bell pepper to the pot. Cook until they are softened.
3. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
4. Add the rinsed black beans, fire-roasted tomatoes, pumpkin puree, and broth.
5. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
7. Serve hot.

Notes

Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro. Pairs well with cornbread or crusty bread. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat when ready to serve.