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Autumn Pumpkin Chilli Recipe

This recipe delivers a hearty autumn chili featuring lean ground turkey, colorful bell peppers, and the unique sweetness of pumpkin. It's a comforting and flavorful dish, perfect for a cozy meal, offering a delightful twist on traditional chili with its earthy and subtly sweet profile.
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Course lunch/dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 6 people
Calories 1153.2 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Large Pot or Dutch Oven
  • 1 Cutting Board
  • 1 Chef's knife
  • 1 Wooden Spoon or Spatula
  • 1 Measuring Spoons

Ingredients
  

Main

  • 1 medium chopped onion
  • 1 small chopped green pepper
  • 1 small chopped sweet yellow pepper
  • 1 tablespoon canola oil
  • 1 minced garlic clove
  • 1 pound ground turkey
  • 1 can 15 ounces solid-pack pumpkin or fresh blended pumpkin
  • 1 can 14 ½ ounces undrained diced tomatoes
  • 4 ½ teaspoons chili powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Instructions
 

  • Chop the onion, green pepper, and sweet yellow pepper. Mince the garlic clove.
  • Heat canola oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
  • Add chopped onion and both bell peppers to the pot and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Add the ground turkey to the pot, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until thoroughly browned, about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
  • Stir in the solid-pack pumpkin (or fresh blended pumpkin), undrained diced tomatoes, chili powder, and salt.
  • Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low.
  • Cover and simmer for at least 20-30 minutes, or longer for flavors to meld, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  • Taste the chili and adjust salt and chili powder if needed.
  • Ladle the chili into bowls and serve warm, optionally with your favorite toppings.

Notes

For a richer flavor, ensure the ground turkey is well-browned before adding other ingredients; this develops a deep umami base. If using fresh pumpkin, ensure it's cooked until very tender before blending, or roast it first for added sweetness. Don't rush the simmering process; allowing the chili to simmer for at least 30 minutes, or even longer, lets the flavors meld beautifully. Adjust chili powder to your preferred spice level, and consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika for extra depth. Garnish with a dollop of sour cream, shredded cheddar, or fresh cilantro for enhanced flavor and presentation.