The best part of fall is the cozy feel of everything. Clothes, decorations, and food are all so comforting. Help add to the warm feelings by making something warm this season. Budget Bytes has the perfect recipe for you, a pumpkin chili recipe!
Harvest Your Ingredients
For the chili, gather up two cloves of garlic, one yellow onion, two tablespoons of olive oil, one pound of ground beef, one 15-ounce can of kidney beans (drained), one 15-ounce can of black beans (drained), one 15-ounce can of petite diced tomatoes, one 15-ounce can of pumpkin puree, ½ 16-ounce can of tomato paste, and two cups of water.
For your chili seasoning you will need, one tablespoon of chili powder, ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika, one teaspoon of ground cumin, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ¼ teaspoon of freshly cracked black pepper, and one teaspoon of salt.
Sow Your Seeds in the Kitchen
Mince and dice garlic and add with olive oil into a large pot. Sautee for five minutes. Add ground beef and cook until the meat is brown. Add kidney beans, black beans, petite tomatoes, pureed pumpkin, tomato paste, water, and seasonings. Stir to combine. Place lid on top and bring chili to a simmer. Stir occasionally while chili simmers for 30 minutes. Afterward, serve with your favorite topping, add-ins, and sides.
Does it Taste Like Pumpkin?
Beth assures us that while the pumpkin adds a saucy, sweet, and earthy taste to the chili, you cannot taste the pumpkin. If you or a loved one hates pumpkins, rest easy knowing that there is no pumpkin flavor in this chili. However, you get the health benefits of pumpkin due to the pumpkin puree. Seems like a win!
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Make it Your Own
If you prefer vegan or vegetarian meals, pumpkin chili is easy to make fit your needs. Take out the ground beef and substitute for an extra can of beans, mushrooms, lentils, or crumbled tempeh. Or you could substitute the ground beef for ground turkey, or chorizo if you want a smoky feel. You also can control how spicy you make the chili. Choose a chili powder that matches your level of preference for spice. Or add some diced jalapeno or chipotle pepper mixed in with adobo sauce for some extra kick!
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