As the leaves begin to turn and the air grows crisp, there’s nothing quite like cozying up with a warm, comforting bowl of chili. This Pumpkin Chili recipe takes the classic dish to new heights, infusing it with the rich, earthy flavors of autumn. The addition of pumpkin puree not only enhances the texture, making it luxuriously thick and hearty, but also adds a subtle sweetness that complements the spicy Italian sausage beautifully. The aromatic blend of spices, including cumin, chili powder, and a hint of cinnamon, creates a depth of flavor that will tantalize your taste buds.
This Pumpkin Chili is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. Each spoonful is a celebration of the season, a blend of hearty ingredients and bold flavors that come together in perfect harmony. It’s a dish that invites you to slow down, savor each bite, and appreciate the simple pleasures of homemade comfort food. Whether you’re gathering around the table with family or enjoying a quiet evening at home, this Pumpkin Chili is sure to warm your heart and soul.
Pumpkin chili recipe
Ingredients
Let’s delve into the details of each ingredient and their role in the Pumpkin Chili recipe:
- Olive Oil: Olive oil is a healthy fat used to sauté ingredients. It has a distinct flavor and is rich in monounsaturated fats, which are good for heart health. In this recipe, it’s used to cook the sausage, onion, and bell pepper, providing a base layer of flavor.
- Ground Spicy Italian Sausage: This is the primary protein source in the chili. Italian sausage is seasoned with a variety of spices like fennel and red pepper flakes, adding a robust and spicy flavor to the dish.
- Onion, Chopped: Onions are a fundamental aromatic that adds depth and sweetness once cooked. They are the backbone of flavor for many savory dishes, including chili.
- Red Bell Pepper, Chopped: Red bell peppers add a sweet, slightly tangy flavor and a pop of color to the chili. They also contribute additional nutrients and fiber.
- Garlic Cloves, Chopped: Garlic is a key aromatic that imparts a pungent, slightly spicy flavor that becomes mellow and sweet upon cooking. It’s essential in building the flavor profile of the chili.
- Cumin: Cumin adds a warm, earthy note with a hint of citrus. It’s a staple spice in chili recipes, contributing to the complex flavor profile.
- Chili Powder: Chili powder is a blend of ground chili peppers and other spices like garlic powder, oregano, and cumin. It provides the signature smoky heat that is central to any chili.
- Kosher Salt, plus more to taste: Salt is a flavor enhancer and is crucial for bringing out the flavors of the other ingredients. Kosher salt is preferred by many cooks due to its pure flavor and ease of use.
- Black Pepper, plus more to taste: Black pepper adds a subtle heat and a sharp, woody aroma. It’s used to complement and balance the other spices.
- Cinnamon: Cinnamon adds a unique warmth and sweetness, complementing the savory and spicy flavors in the chili. It’s a secret ingredient that can elevate the dish.
- Fire-Roasted Tomatoes, not drained: Fire-roasted tomatoes have a smoky flavor and are slightly charred, adding a depth of flavor that regular canned tomatoes can’t match. The liquid from the cans helps to create the chili’s saucy consistency.
- Kidney Beans, drained and rinsed: Kidney beans are a classic chili ingredient. They’re hearty, high in fiber and protein, and absorb flavors well, making them perfect for chili.
- Black Beans, drained and rinsed: Black beans add a different texture and flavor compared to kidney beans. They’re also rich in fiber and protein, contributing to the heartiness of the dish.
- Pumpkin Puree: Pumpkin puree is the star ingredient, adding a creamy texture and a subtle sweetness that pairs well with the spices. It’s also packed with vitamins and fiber.
- Chicken Broth: Chicken broth serves as the liquid base for the chili, providing moisture and a rich, savory flavor. It helps to meld all the flavors together as the chili simmers.
- Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating a well-rounded, flavorful, and hearty Pumpkin Chili that’s perfect for a cozy meal.
Pumpkin chili recipe FAQs
The key to good chili is a harmonious balance of flavors and textures. Achieving this involves a careful selection of ingredients and spices, as well as patience in the cooking process. Essential spices like cumin, chili powder, and paprika add depth and warmth, while a variety of proteins and beans contribute to the dish’s heartiness. The magic of chili comes from allowing these elements to simmer together, melding the flavors into a rich, satisfying meal.
Chili is characterized by its signature combination of ingredients: meat (or a vegetarian protein alternative), beans, tomatoes, and a rich blend of spices. While recipes can vary widely, these core components are what define a dish as chili. It’s the interplay of these ingredients, along with the cook’s personal touch, that makes chili a unique and beloved dish.
The calorie content in pumpkin chili can vary based on the recipe and serving size. However, pumpkin is a low-calorie addition, which can make pumpkin chili a healthier option. On average, a cup of homemade pumpkin chili might contain between 200 to 400 calories. For accurate calorie information, it’s best to refer to the specific recipe you’re using.
No, pumpkin is not high in calories. It is considered a nutrient-dense food, meaning it provides a substantial amount of nutrients for a relatively low number of calories. A cup of cooked, mashed pumpkin contains only about 49 calories, making it a great addition to a variety of dishes for those watching their calorie intake.
Roasted pumpkin remains a low-calorie food, similar to its raw or boiled counterparts. The roasting process itself doesn’t significantly change the calorie content. However, if oil, sugar, or other calorie-dense ingredients are added during roasting, the calorie content will increase accordingly.
The secrets to a flavorful chili lie in layering flavors and allowing the dish to simmer. Using fresh, quality ingredients, toasting spices before adding them to the pot, and incorporating a variety of textures can all elevate the flavor of your chili. Some cooks also add a bit of dark chocolate or coffee to enrich the flavor profile. The longer the chili simmers, the more the flavors will develop and intertwine, resulting in a more complex and satisfying dish.
Pumpkin chili recipe
Dive into the flavors of fall with this hearty Pumpkin Chili! ????????️ It’s the perfect balance of spicy, savory, and slightly sweet.
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 1x
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp. olive oil
- 1 lb. ground spicy Italian sausage
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, chopped
- 2 tsp. ground cumin
- 1 1/2 tbsp. chili powder
- 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
Instructions
- In 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.
- Add 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, salt, black pepper, and cinnamon. Cook, stirring, for 30 seconds.
- Stir in the tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, pumpkin puree, chicken broth, and sausage. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the flavors meld, about 20 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper. Serve with pumpkin seeds, sour cream, cheese, and avocado.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 350 kcal