Name: Pumpkin Chili Recipe
Ingredients: 1.3 lbs Ground Turkey (Extra Lean): Lean ground turkey provides a healthy and flavorful base for the chili. Choosing extra lean turkey helps keep the dish lighter without sacrificing taste. It cooks quickly and absorbs the delicious chili spices beautifully.; 6 Small Links (9oz) Chicken Maple Sausage: The maple chicken sausage adds a touch of sweetness and smoky depth that elevates this chili beyond the ordinary. The maple flavor complements the pumpkin perfectly, creating a harmonious blend of savory and sweet. You can use pre-cooked sausage to simplify preparation.; 1 Sweet Onion, Chopped: Sweet onions, like Vidalia or Walla Walla, offer a milder, sweeter flavor than yellow onions. When sautéed, they become wonderfully tender and create a foundational sweetness that balances the spice and richness of the chili.; 3 Cloves of Garlic, Minced: Garlic is a cornerstone of savory cooking, and it’s essential in chili. Minced garlic adds a pungent and aromatic base note that enhances all the other flavors. Freshly minced garlic is always preferred for the best flavor.; 1 Yellow Bell Pepper, Diced: Yellow bell peppers bring a mild sweetness and a vibrant color to the chili. They soften beautifully during cooking and contribute a subtle fruity note.; 1 Orange Bell Pepper, Diced: Orange bell peppers are similar to yellow peppers but often have a slightly sweeter and fruitier flavor. Using both yellow and orange peppers adds visual appeal and a depth of flavor complexity.; 1 15.5oz Can Cannellini Beans, Drained and Rinsed: Cannellini beans, also known as white kidney beans, are creamy and mild in flavor. They add a wonderful texture and heartiness to the chili. Rinsing them removes excess starch and sodium.; 1 15.5oz Can Red Kidney Beans: Red kidney beans are classic chili beans, known for their firm texture and slightly nutty flavor. They provide a robust and satisfying element to the dish and contribute to the chili’s vibrant color.; 1 29oz Can Pumpkin Purée: The star ingredient! Pumpkin purée is what sets this chili apart. It adds a creamy texture, a subtle sweetness, and a distinct autumnal flavor. Make sure to use pumpkin purée, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugar and spices.; 1 28oz Can Diced Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes form the liquid base of the chili and provide acidity and a classic tomato flavor. You can use fire-roasted diced tomatoes for a smoky depth or diced tomatoes with added herbs for extra flavor complexity.; 1 12 fl. Oz. Bottle Pumpkin Beer: Pumpkin beer adds another layer of pumpkin flavor and a subtle malty sweetness that enhances the overall taste profile. The beer also helps to tenderize the meat during simmering. Choose a pumpkin beer that you enjoy drinking, as its flavor will contribute to the chili. If you prefer to avoid alcohol, you can substitute with additional chicken broth or vegetable broth.; 1/2 cup Chicken Broth: Chicken broth adds moisture and depth of flavor to the chili. Low-sodium chicken broth is recommended to control the salt level. Vegetable broth can be used as a vegetarian alternative.; 2 Tbsp Chili Powder: Chili powder is the heart and soul of chili, providing warmth, depth, and complexity. Adjust the amount to your spice preference. For a milder chili, start with 1.5 tablespoons and taste as you go. For a spicier chili, use up to 3 tablespoons or consider adding a pinch of chipotle powder.; 1 tsp Oregano: Dried oregano adds a slightly peppery and earthy note that complements the chili spices and the pumpkin. It provides a subtle herbaceous background flavor.; 1 tsp Cumin: Cumin is a warm and earthy spice that is essential in chili. It adds a smoky, slightly bitter note that balances the sweetness of the pumpkin and the other spices.; 2 tsp Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds a touch of molasses-like sweetness that enhances the savory flavors and balances the spice. It also helps to caramelize and deepen the overall flavor of the chili.; 1/2 tsp Cayenne Pepper (Optional): Cayenne pepper provides a kick of heat. It’s optional for those who prefer a milder chili but highly recommended for those who like a bit of spice. Start with 1/4 teaspoon and adjust to your preference.; 4 Tbsp Olive Oil: Olive oil is used for sautéing the vegetables and browning the meat. It adds a subtle fruity flavor and helps to prevent sticking. Extra virgin olive oil is preferred for its flavor and health benefits.; Sea Salt and Pepper to Taste: Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper are essential seasonings for any dish. Season generously at each stage of cooking to build layers of flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

1.3 lbs Ground Turkey (Extra Lean): Lean ground turkey provides a healthy and flavorful base for the chili. Choosing extra lean turkey helps keep the dish lighter without sacrificing taste. It cooks quickly and absorbs the delicious chili spices beautifully.

6 Small Links (9oz) Chicken Maple Sausage: The maple chicken sausage adds a touch of sweetness and smoky depth that elevates this chili beyond the ordinary. The maple flavor complements the pumpkin perfectly, creating a harmonious blend of savory and sweet. You can use pre-cooked sausage to simplify preparation.

1 Sweet Onion, Chopped: Sweet onions, like Vidalia or Walla Walla, offer a milder, sweeter flavor than yellow onions. When sautéed, they become wonderfully tender and create a foundational sweetness that balances the spice and richness of the chili.

3 Cloves of Garlic, Minced: Garlic is a cornerstone of savory cooking, and it’s essential in chili. Minced garlic adds a pungent and aromatic base note that enhances all the other flavors. Freshly minced garlic is always preferred for the best flavor.

1 Yellow Bell Pepper, Diced: Yellow bell peppers bring a mild sweetness and a vibrant color to the chili. They soften beautifully during cooking and contribute a subtle fruity note.

1 Orange Bell Pepper, Diced: Orange bell peppers are similar to yellow peppers but often have a slightly sweeter and fruitier flavor. Using both yellow and orange peppers adds visual appeal and a depth of flavor complexity.

1 15.5oz Can Cannellini Beans, Drained and Rinsed: Cannellini beans, also known as white kidney beans, are creamy and mild in flavor. They add a wonderful texture and heartiness to the chili. Rinsing them removes excess starch and sodium.

1 15.5oz Can Red Kidney Beans: Red kidney beans are classic chili beans, known for their firm texture and slightly nutty flavor. They provide a robust and satisfying element to the dish and contribute to the chili’s vibrant color.

1 29oz Can Pumpkin Purée: The star ingredient! Pumpkin purée is what sets this chili apart. It adds a creamy texture, a subtle sweetness, and a distinct autumnal flavor. Make sure to use pumpkin purée, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugar and spices.

1 28oz Can Diced Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes form the liquid base of the chili and provide acidity and a classic tomato flavor. You can use fire-roasted diced tomatoes for a smoky depth or diced tomatoes with added herbs for extra flavor complexity.

1 12 fl. Oz. Bottle Pumpkin Beer: Pumpkin beer adds another layer of pumpkin flavor and a subtle malty sweetness that enhances the overall taste profile. The beer also helps to tenderize the meat during simmering. Choose a pumpkin beer that you enjoy drinking, as its flavor will contribute to the chili. If you prefer to avoid alcohol, you can substitute with additional chicken broth or vegetable broth.

1/2 cup Chicken Broth: Chicken broth adds moisture and depth of flavor to the chili. Low-sodium chicken broth is recommended to control the salt level. Vegetable broth can be used as a vegetarian alternative.

2 Tbsp Chili Powder: Chili powder is the heart and soul of chili, providing warmth, depth, and complexity. Adjust the amount to your spice preference. For a milder chili, start with 1.5 tablespoons and taste as you go. For a spicier chili, use up to 3 tablespoons or consider adding a pinch of chipotle powder.

1 tsp Oregano: Dried oregano adds a slightly peppery and earthy note that complements the chili spices and the pumpkin. It provides a subtle herbaceous background flavor.

1 tsp Cumin: Cumin is a warm and earthy spice that is essential in chili. It adds a smoky, slightly bitter note that balances the sweetness of the pumpkin and the other spices.

2 tsp Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds a touch of molasses-like sweetness that enhances the savory flavors and balances the spice. It also helps to caramelize and deepen the overall flavor of the chili.

1/2 tsp Cayenne Pepper (Optional): Cayenne pepper provides a kick of heat. It’s optional for those who prefer a milder chili but highly recommended for those who like a bit of spice. Start with 1/4 teaspoon and adjust to your preference.

4 Tbsp Olive Oil: Olive oil is used for sautéing the vegetables and browning the meat. It adds a subtle fruity flavor and helps to prevent sticking. Extra virgin olive oil is preferred for its flavor and health benefits.

Sea Salt and Pepper to Taste: Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper are essential seasonings for any dish. Season generously at each stage of cooking to build layers of flavor.

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Instructions

Prepare the Sausage: Begin by preparing the chicken maple sausage. If using sausage links, thinly slice them into rounds. Alternatively, if you can remove the sausage from its casing, do so and crumble the sausage meat. Set the prepared sausage aside with the ground turkey, ready to be cooked. This pre-preparation step ensures a smoother cooking process.

Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the minced garlic and chopped sweet onion. Sauté for about 3-5 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. Adding garlic and onion first and sautéing them allows their flavors to bloom and create a flavorful base for the chili.

Add Bell Peppers: Add the diced yellow and orange bell peppers to the pot with the sautéed onions and garlic. Continue to sauté for another 5 minutes, or until the bell peppers begin to soften slightly, stirring occasionally. Sautéing the bell peppers softens them and brings out their natural sweetness, contributing to the overall depth of flavor in the chili. Once the vegetables are softened, remove them from the pot and reserve in a separate bowl. This prevents them from overcooking while you brown the meat.

Brown the Meat: Return the pot to medium-high heat and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the ground turkey and the prepared chicken maple sausage to the pot. Brown the meat, breaking it up with a spoon or spatula as it cooks. This should take approximately 8-10 minutes. Browning the meat is crucial for developing rich, savory flavors. Season the meat generously with sea salt and black pepper while it browns. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed to ensure a well-seasoned base for the chili.

Combine Ingredients and Simmer: Once the meat is fully browned and cooked through, return the reserved sautéed vegetables (onions, garlic, and bell peppers) to the pot with the meat. Stir to combine everything. Now, add the diced tomatoes (undrained), pumpkin purée, cannellini beans (drained and rinsed), red kidney beans (drained and rinsed), chili powder, oregano, cumin, brown sugar, and cayenne pepper (if using). Pour in the pumpkin beer and chicken broth. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the spices are evenly distributed.

Simmer Slowly: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the chili simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours. Stir occasionally, about every 20-30 minutes, to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Simmering allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a richer and more complex chili. The longer it simmers, the more flavorful it becomes. If the chili becomes too thick during simmering, you can add a little more chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.

Taste and Adjust Seasoning: After simmering for at least 1.5 hours, taste the chili and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more sea salt, black pepper, chili powder, or cayenne pepper to reach your desired flavor profile. This is the time to fine-tune the taste to your liking.

Serve and Garnish: Once the chili has simmered for the desired time and the flavors have fully developed, it’s ready to serve. Ladle the pumpkin chili into bowls. Garnish each serving with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of grated cheddar cheese, and some sliced green onions, if desired. These garnishes add texture, flavor, and visual appeal to the chili.

Nutrition

Serving Size: One Normal Portion
Calories: 350-400