Pumpkin Chili: 7 Cozy Fall Flavors for Your Dinner – Try Now
Introduction
As the leaves turn golden and the air grows crisp, there’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of Pumpkin Chili to warm your soul. This autumnal twist on a classic comfort food is the perfect way to celebrate the season’s bounty. Whether you’re looking for a Pumpkin chili dinner to impress guests or a cozy meal for a chilly evening, this recipe is sure to become a fall favorite.
Why is it Perfect for You?
This Pumpkin Chili is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of autumn flavors. The rich, velvety texture of pumpkin puree combines beautifully with hearty beans and spicy sausage, creating a complex flavor profile that’s both comforting and exciting. It’s an ideal Halloween recipe that’s sure to impress at any gathering, yet simple enough for a weeknight easy autumn meal.
Ingredients List
◾ 1 pound ground spicy sausage
◾ 1 large onion, diced
◾ 3 cloves garlic, minced
◾ 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
◾ 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
◾ 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
◾ 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
◾ 2 cups chicken broth
◾ 2 tablespoons chili powder
◾ 1 tablespoon cumin
◾ 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
◾ Salt and pepper to taste
◾ Optional toppings: sour cream, shredded cheese, chopped cilantro
Preparation Time and Servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 6
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
In a large pot over medium heat, brown the spicy sausage. Break it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks, allowing it to develop a nice crust for added flavor. This process should take about 5-7 minutes.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Add the diced onion to the pot with the browned sausage. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. The combination of sausage, onion, and garlic will create a flavorful base for our Pumpkin Chili.
Step 3: Add the Pumpkin and Tomatoes
Stir in the pumpkin puree and diced tomatoes. The pumpkin will add a creamy texture and subtle sweetness, while the tomatoes bring acidity and depth to the chili. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
Step 4: Incorporate Beans and Broth
Add the black beans, kidney beans, and chicken broth to the pot. The combination of these beans provides a variety of textures and flavors, making this spicy sausage chili hearty and satisfying.
Step 5: Season and Simmer
Now it’s time to add our spices: chili powder, cumin, and pumpkin pie spice. These will give our Pumpkin Chili its distinctive flavor profile. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with your choice of toppings. A dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of shredded cheese, or some fresh cilantro can elevate this fall comfort food to new heights.
Nutritional Information
This Pumpkin Chili is not only delicious but also nutritious. It’s high in fiber from the beans and pumpkin, and packed with vitamins and minerals.
Calories per Person
Approximately 350-400 calories per serving (without toppings).
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
To make this recipe even healthier, consider using ground turkey instead of sausage, or opt for a plant-based alternative for a vegetarian version. You can also reduce sodium by using low-sodium broth and beans.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Pumpkin Chili with a side of cornbread or over a bed of quinoa for a complete meal. It also pairs wonderfully with a crisp autumn salad.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid overcooking the chili, as this can lead to mushy beans and a loss of flavor complexity. Also, be careful not to overseason initially – you can always add more spices later, but you can’t take them away!
Storing Tips for the Recipe
This chili stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have time to meld. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months in an airtight container.
FAQs
Can I make this chili vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You might want to add extra beans or some diced vegetables for more substance.
Is this chili very spicy?
The spice level can be adjusted to your preference. If you’re sensitive to heat, use mild sausage and reduce the amount of chili powder.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, this recipe adapts well to a slow cooker. Brown the sausage and sauté the onions and garlic first, then add all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Conclusion
This Pumpkin Chili is more than just a meal – it’s a celebration of autumn in a bowl. With its rich flavors, hearty texture, and comforting warmth, it’s the perfect dish for those crisp fall evenings. Whether you’re hosting a Halloween party or simply looking for a cozy Pumpkin chili dinner, this recipe is sure to become a seasonal favorite. So grab your ladle, and let’s welcome fall with open arms and warm bellies!
Contact Us
Contact us at [email protected] and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
Share your experience with us
OOLALA
This turned out so awesome they look like they came from a exspensive bakery.
Just a question
So what about the grease from the meat? Should I use the leanest meats or is the grease give more flavor.
What about a meatloaf on top of veggies ? Would that work?
Ingredients list good, directions lacking
There were great details on quantities of ingredients I should use, but the recipe didn’t tell me the cook time. Also, mentioned in the section about “common mistakes” that you need to let it chill enough but doesn’t direct you in the recipe that you need to let it chill. More details would be helpful
Dressing is perfect!
Not a big fan of mayo, loved the Greek yogurt swap. Reduced garlic a bit. Dressing was delish!
Best coffee cake- ever!!
This recipe was not the easiest to follow due to how it was written. It requires a lot of back and forth from instructions to the lists of ingredients but oh, hey, the end result is totally worth the effort! Mouthwatering and delicious plus it’s a pretty presentation.
