Festive Pumpkin Chili

Festive Pumpkin Chili

Contributed by : Jane Berthiaume

jane-berthiaume-20220708215352

Canadian Recipes : Dinner Recipes

Who has ever heard of chili that wasn't made from tomatoes? I hadn't either but with all the pumpkin puree left over from this year's garden I had to search out recipes to use it all up. This is a tasty, creamy version of chili that is surprisingly good! The key to elevating this dish is a dollop of sour cream and fresh chopped cilantro on top. The chipotle peppers add a nice smoky kick. You cilantro haters might just change your mind on this recipe!

Total Time

1 hr

Prepare Time

30 mins

Cook Time

30 mins

Recipe Servings

Ingredients for
Festive Pumpkin Chili

2 to 3 lbs ground beef, pork or chicken
1 large onion, diced
1 large red pepper, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, diced
3 to 4 cups pumpkin puree
500 ml hard cider (Strongbow) (16 oz)
2 cans kidney beans drained (30 oz)
1 can corn (optional)
1 cup chicken broth
2 1/2 tbsp chili powder
1 tbsp cumin
1 tsp cinnamon
1 1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 bay leaf
Optional garnish: sour cream, cilantro, grated cheese

How to Make
Festive Pumpkin Chili

In a large pot over medium heat, add the ground beef and begin to brown (if you are using ground chicken you may need to add a little extra virgin olive oil to the bottom of the pan to prevent sticking). Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, garlic, and chipotle peppers. Cook until the meat is brown
Add the pumpkin puree, hard cider, beans, and chicken broth into the pot. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, cinnamon, salt, pepper and bay leaf. Stir well.
Bring the mixture to a boil and then turn down the heat and simmer for at least 30 minutes stirring occasionally.
Serve warm and top with optional garnishes if desired.

Notes

With chili everything is an estimate. If you find it too thin you can add more meat or beans, too thick add more broth. My pumpkin puree from the garden is thinner than store bought so I add the full 3 lbs of ground meat to make my chili thicker..