Sloane Layton is a trained chef, recipe developer and regular contributor to ThePioneerWoman.com. An avid bread baker and pastry connoisseur, when sheâs not proofing sourdough, she enjoys traveling, and is always on the hunt for the flakiest croissant.
Pumpkin Chili
Top with roasted pumpkin seeds for a little crunch!
If you try to contain your pumpkin obsession to just fall desserts, you are seriously missing out! Here, pumpkin gives an otherwise traditional chili a ton of body while also adding a slightly sweet and earthy flavor. It's the ingredient you never knew your chili recipe was missing! The cinnamon plays up the pumpkin flavor and complements the smoky chili powder and cumin, while the spicy Italian sausage works to balance the sweetness from the gourd. This savory pumpkin recipe comes together in under 1 hour but tastes like itâs been simmering all day. In other words, itâs the perfect fall weeknight dinner. Whip up a skillet of cornbread to serve alongside!
Does chili taste better the longer it simmers?
This recipe is perfectly flavorful after simmering on the stove for 20 minutes, but if you have the time, let it go a little longer! The flavors will continue to meld as it slowly simmers.Â
Is pumpkin puree really pumpkin?
You betâbut probably not the sugar pumpkin youâre thinking of. The brand Libby, which dominates the canned pumpkin market, produces their own proprietary kind of pumpkinâone that has been compared to a butternut squash. To avoid the hassle of chopping, cleaning and roasting a whole pumpkin, using the store-bought puree is highly recommended for this recipe.Â
What makes chili taste like chili?Â
With countless versions, it's hard to define what exactly the dish is. In most cases, chili peppers, meat, beans, and tomatoes are cooked slowly together. Your spice mix (most often inclusive of warm and earthy flavors) is key, as is your combination of mix-ins for the perfect thick and chunky consistency.Â
What toppings can you pair with pumpkin chili?
Classic chili toppings like sour cream, shredded cheese, and avocado are right at home with pumpkin chili. Try sprinkling on a few pepitas for crunch!
- Yields:
- 6 - 8 serving(s)
- Prep Time:
- 25 mins
- Total Time:
- 25 mins
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp.
olive oil
- 1 lb.
ground spicy Italian sausage
- 1
onion, chopped
- 1
red bell pepper, chopped
- 3
garlic cloves, chopped
- 1 1/2 tbsp.
chili powder
- 2 tsp.
ground cumin
- 1 tsp.
kosher salt, plus more to taste
- 3/4 tsp.
ground black pepper, plus more to taste
- 1/2 tsp.
ground cinnamon
- 2
15-oz. cans fire-roasted tomatoes, not drained
- 1
15-oz. can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1
15-oz. can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1
15-oz. can pumpkin puree
- 2 1/2 c.
chicken broth
Roasted pumpkin seeds, sour cream, shredded sharp cheddar cheese and avocado, for garnish, if desired
- Nutrition Information
- Per Serving (Serves 8)
- Calories353 Fat18 gSaturated fat6 gTrans fat0 gCholesterol41 mgSodium1007 mgCarbohydrates22 gFiber11 gSugar9 gProtein18 gVitamin D0 mcgCalcium114 mgIron5 mgPotassium902 mg
- Note: The information shown is Edamamâs estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionistâs advice.Powered by
Directions
- Step 1In a large Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook, stirring to break into pieces, until browned and cooked through, 8 to 10 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the sausage to a paper towel lined plate to drain.Â
- Step 2Add the onion and bell pepper to the Dutch oven. Cook over medium heat, stirring, until softened, 10 to 12 minutes. Stir in the garlic, cumin, chili powder, 1 teaspoons salt, 3/4 teaspoon pepper, and cinnamon. Cook, stirring, for 30 seconds.
- Step 3Stir in the tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, pumpkin puree, chicken broth, and sausage. Bring to boil over medium-high. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until the flavors meld, about 20 minutes.
- Step 4Season the chili with salt and pepper. Serve, garnishing with pumpkin seeds, sour cream, cheese, and avocado, if desired.Â
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