Description
This healthy pumpkin chili combines lean ground turkey with nutrient-packed pumpkin puree, kidney beans, and a blend of warming spices for a hearty, flavorful meal. Cooked slowly to develop rich flavors, it’s perfect for a cozy dinner that’s both nutritious and satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 jalapeño, finely diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 (14 ounces) can pumpkin puree
- 1 (14 ounces) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 3/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cumin
Optional Toppings
- Shredded cheese
- Sour cream
- Chopped cilantro
- Avocado slices
- Chopped green onions
Instructions
- Heat oil: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, preparing the pan for sautéing the vegetables.
- Sauté vegetables: Add diced onions, jalapeño, and red bell pepper to the skillet and cook for about five minutes until the onions become translucent and the vegetables soften.
- Brown turkey: Add the ground turkey to the skillet with the vegetables and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks for even browning.
- Combine ingredients in slow cooker: Transfer the turkey and vegetable mixture to the slow cooker. Add pumpkin puree, kidney beans, tomato paste, chicken broth, and all spices; stir thoroughly until everything is well combined.
- Slow cook: Cook on high for 3 to 4 hours or on low for 6 to 8 hours to allow flavors to meld and the chili to thicken.
- Add toppings: Serve the chili hot, topped with your choice of optional ingredients such as shredded cheese, sour cream, cilantro, avocado, or green onions.
- Store leftovers: Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
Notes
- This chili can be made a day ahead for deeper flavor development.
- For a spicier version, increase the jalapeño quantity or cayenne pepper to taste.
- Ground turkey can be substituted with lean ground chicken or beef if preferred.
- For a vegetarian version, omit turkey and add extra beans or lentils.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to reduce sodium content if desired.
- Optional toppings add flavor and texture but can be omitted for a simpler, dairy-free meal.
