Turkey Pumpkin Chili

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 0.5 onion (medium, chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 lb lean ground turkey (Turkey thigh was used.)
• 1 green bell pepper (small, chopped)
• 1 can (14 fl oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
• 1 can (14 fl oz) pumpkin purée (100% pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling)
• 1 can (14 fl oz) cannellini beans (white beans, drained)
• 1 can (14 fl oz) red kidney beans (drained)
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 0.25 tsp dried oregano
• 0.5 tsp cayenne pepper (optional; omit for a mild chili)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• salt (to taste)
• black pepper (to taste)
• Mexican cheese blend (optional garnish)
• cilantro (optional garnish)
• sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional garnish; choose one)
• avocado (optional garnish)

Steps

1. 1

   Heat the olive oil in a soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5 minutes.

2. 2

   Add the minced garlic and ground turkey. Cook for another 5 minutes, breaking the turkey into small pieces with a spoon as it cooks.

3. 3

   While the onion and turkey cook, prepare the remaining ingredients, stirring the pot periodically.

4. 4

   Add the bell pepper, diced tomatoes with their juices, pumpkin purée, drained cannellini beans, drained kidney beans, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, cayenne if using, chicken broth, salt, and black pepper. Stir well.

5. 5

   Increase the heat to high and bring the chili just to a boil. Reduce the heat so it simmers, then cook for 10–15 minutes, stirring periodically.

6. 6

   Serve as is or with desired toppings, such as Mexican cheese, cilantro, sour cream or Greek yogurt, and avocado.

Notes

For a milder chili, omit the cayenne. The bean varieties or seasonings can be changed, or a seasoning left out. For reheating refrigerated or frozen chili, add a little chicken broth if it needs more liquid. Other suggested toppings include grated cheddar and tortilla strips or chips.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• dinner
• gluten-free
• dairy-free without toppings
• stovetop
• quick
• chili
• comfort food