Cozy Pumpkin Chili Recipe: Autumn’s Soul-Warming Comfort

Crisp autumn winds make hearty pumpkin chili a soul-warming companion for chilly evenings.

Seasonal ingredients dance together in this unexpected culinary adventure.

Robust spices mingle with smooth pumpkin, creating a comforting bowl that surprises and delights.

Bold flavors challenge traditional chili expectations, bringing unexpected warmth to your kitchen.

Nutritious and satisfying, this recipe offers a delectable twist on classic comfort food.

Lean into the magic of unexpected ingredients and surprise your taste buds with every spoonful.

You’ll want to savor each bite of this unique, nourishing meal.

Storage Advice for Pumpkin Chili

• Store leftover chili in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Seal tightly to prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Transfer cooled chili to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, label with date, and freeze for up to 3 months. Flat storage saves freezer space.
• Place chili in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes. Stir halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Pour chili into a pot, add a splash of vegetable broth to prevent sticking. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

• Why use pumpkin in chili?

Pumpkin adds rich, creamy texture and boosts nutritional value with extra vitamins, fiber, and a subtle sweetness that complements the spicy chili flavors.

• Is this chili vegetarian?

Yes, this recipe is completely vegetarian and can be easily made vegan by omitting dairy toppings like cheese and sour cream.

• Can I make this chili spicier?

Absolutely! Increase cayenne pepper or add fresh jalapeños for more heat. You can also include hot sauce when serving to customize spice level.

• What type of pumpkin puree works best?

Use 100% pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. Canned pure pumpkin provides consistent texture and flavor for this chili recipe.

Pumpkin Chili with a Twist of Fall Flavor

• Boost Nutrition Powerhouse: Packed with beans, pumpkin, and vegetables, this chili delivers a massive dose of vitamins, fiber, and plant-based protein for a super healthy meal.
• Create Cozy Comfort: Perfect for chilly evenings, this warm, hearty chili wraps you in delicious flavors that feel like a comforting hug from your kitchen.
• Quick and Simple Preparation: Requires minimal cooking skills, uses one-pot method, and comes together in under an hour with straightforward ingredients anyone can find at the grocery store.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Easily adaptable for different dietary needs, this chili can be made vegetarian, spiced up or down, and topped with countless garnishes to suit every taste preference.

Ingredients for Pumpkin Chili

• Pumpkin Puree: A smooth, creamy base that adds rich autumn flavor and smooth texture to the chili.
• Vegetable Broth: Provides a savory liquid foundation for the chili and enhances overall depth of flavor.
• Black Beans, Kidney Beans, Pinto Beans: Hearty protein-packed legumes that add substance and nutritional value to the dish.

• Onion, Bell Pepper: Classic chili vegetables that create a flavorful and aromatic base.
• Garlic: Adds a robust and pungent flavor to the chili.
• Green Chilies: Offers a mild, spicy kick to enhance the overall taste profile.
• Corn: Provides a sweet and crisp texture to the chili.

• Chili Powder, Cumin, Smoked Paprika, Cinnamon, Cayenne Pepper, Nutmeg: A complex blend of spices that creates a warm, deep, and multi-layered flavor experience.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the overall taste.

• Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce: Contribute acidity and rich tomato flavor to the chili.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing vegetables and creating a smooth cooking base.

• Shredded Cheese, Sour Cream, Chopped Cilantro, Diced Avocado, Pumpkin Seeds, Tortilla Chips: Delicious garnishes that add extra texture and flavor.

How to Cook Pumpkin Chili Step-by-Step

Step 1: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Toss in diced onions and bell peppers, cooking until they become soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.

The kitchen will start smelling amazing!

Step 2: Bloom Fragrant Garlic

Add minced garlic and let it sizzle for a minute, releasing its incredible aroma throughout the pot.

Step 3: Create Spice Magic

• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Smoked paprika
• Cinnamon
• Cayenne pepper
• Nutmeg
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir these spices around to coat the vegetables and wake up their flavors, cooking for 2 minutes.

Step 4: Build Chili Base

• Pumpkin puree
• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato sauce
• Black beans
• Kidney beans
• Pinto beans
• Corn
• Diced green chilies

Add vegetable broth and mix everything together thoroughly.

Step 5: Simmer and Develop Flavors

Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce heat to low.

Cover the pot and let it simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 6: Serve with Spectacular Toppings

Ladle the chili into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes.

Pro Tips for a Smooth and Spicy Pumpkin Chili

• Adjust cayenne and spices to control heat level, starting with less and tasting as you go for personalized flavor intensity.
• Mix different bean types for enhanced texture and nutritional complexity, keeping total bean quantity consistent.
• Use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, to maintain savory profile and avoid unwanted sweetness in your chili.
• Let chili develop deeper flavors by cooking on low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and blend spice notes.
• Double the recipe and freeze portions in airtight containers for convenient, quick meals up to 3 months later.

Variations to Adapt Pumpkin Chili to Your Taste

• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace beans with cubed tofu, tempeh, or seitan for a plant-based protein alternative that maintains the hearty texture.
• Meat Lover's Version: Add ground beef, turkey, or chorizo for a protein-packed chili with rich, savory flavors.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Substitute beans with extra diced zucchini, cauliflower, and bell peppers to reduce carbohydrate content while keeping the dish filling.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Increase cayenne pepper, add diced jalapeños, and top with pepper jack cheese for an extra kick of heat and flavor.

Serving Suggestions for Pumpkin Chili

• Hearty Harvest Feast: Pair this pumpkin chili with warm, buttery cornbread for a comforting meal that hugs your taste buds.
• Cozy Autumn Bowl: Top with crispy tortilla strips, crumbled queso fresco, and a dollop of Greek yogurt for a creamy, crunchy texture experience.
• Protein Power Boost: Serve alongside grilled chicken or pulled pork to transform this chili into a protein-packed dinner that satisfies big appetites.
• Seasonal Side Kick: Complement with a light autumn salad featuring roasted butternut squash, mixed greens, and a tangy apple cider vinaigrette.

Pumpkin Chili Recipe

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4.8 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty pumpkin chili brings robust autumn flavors to your dinner table. Mexican-inspired spices and seasonal ingredients create a comforting meal packed with warmth and depth you’ll crave all season long.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Beans and Pumpkin:

• 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) pumpkin puree
• 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) pinto beans, drained and rinsed

Vegetables and Tomato Products:

• 1 large onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) diced tomatoes, with juice
• 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) tomato sauce
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
• 1 can (4 ounces / 113 grams) diced green chilies (optional)

Spices and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Liquids:

• 1 cup vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sauteing)

Optional Toppings:

• Shredded cheese
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Chopped cilantro
• Diced avocado
• Pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
• Tortilla chips

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a spacious cooking vessel over medium-high temperature, introducing diced onion and bell pepper. Allow vegetables to soften and become translucent, approximately 5 minutes.
2. Incorporate minced garlic and sauté until aromatic, roughly 60 seconds.
3. Sprinkle and mix chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cinnamon, cayenne, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Toss ingredients to thoroughly coat vegetables, cooking for an additional 2 minutes.
4. Gently fold in pumpkin puree, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, three varieties of beans, corn, and green chilies. Pour vegetable broth and blend ingredients completely.
5. Elevate mixture to a rolling boil, then immediately reduce heat to low. Cover pot and allow chili to simmer, periodically stirring, for 25-35 minutes until flavors meld harmoniously.
6. Transfer steaming chili into serving bowls, garnishing with optional toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, fresh cilantro, diced avocado, roasted pumpkin seeds, or crispy tortilla chips.

Notes

• Swap out meat for a vegetarian version by adding extra beans or plant-based protein like tempeh or tofu cubes.
• Control spice levels by gradually adding cayenne pepper and adjusting according to personal heat tolerance.
• Enhance depth of flavor by roasting whole spices before grinding them fresh for more intense aromatics.
• Make this chili freezer-friendly by storing in airtight containers for up to 3 months, which helps meal prep and saves cooking time later.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 160 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 360 mg
• Fat: 3 g
• Saturated Fat: 0.4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2.6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 9 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg