Tina of Just Putzing Around the Kitchen swears by this hearty, rib-sticking recipe for Rich Pumpkin Chili. She says, "Strictly speaking, there’s more than just pumpkin".
Pumpkin chili - a rich, warm you from the inside meal.
To be honest, if the title Rich Pumpkin Chili has you hesitating, think of savory, aromatic flavors like ground meat, garlic, onions, tomatoes, chili powder. The pumpkin flavor takes a backseat but gives this pumpkin chili recipe some rich, earthy oomph that makes it a little more luscious than your average chili. It's also gluten and dairy-free.
Why pumpkin chili?
Pumpkin not only adds rich and earthy flavors and hearty texture, but also provides added nutrients to your diet. It boasts zero fat or cholesterol, and the bright orange color means it is rich in beta-carotene which guards cells from free radicals while the body is changing it into vitamin A. Vitamin A supports eye health, skin, bones, lungs and kidneys. And hey ya'll - who can't feel good about a really great bowl of chili that's also good for you.
Want to use homemade pumpkin puree in your pumpkin chili? Learn how to Make Pumpkin Puree From a Whole Pumpkin.
Try this recipe for homemade pumpkin puree from California Grown is a great tutorial on how to make pumpkin puree. Wondering what to do with the seeds? They also offer a tutorial on how to clean pumpkin see and use them to make Roasted Garlic Pumpkin Seeds.
Pumpkin chili ingredients:
Best yet, this chili requires common pantry ingredients which may mean you can altogether skip going to the store.
- lean ground beef, or turkey
- onion
- minced garlic
- pumpkin puree
- diced tomatoes
- crushed tomatoes
- gluten-free beef stock
- spices: chili powder, cumin, onion powder, turmeric and salt
- cocoa powder
Like the pumpkin chili recipe?
After trying this recipe for pumpkin chili, fill your cold winter days with other gluten-free chili recipes that are easy enough for a weeknight like my White Chicken Chili with Bacon or my Black Bean Chicken (or Turkey) Chili. Want something super unique? Fear not, my gluten-free friends! Nigella Lawson gave me this Homemade Chili Recipe with a Secret Ingredient and it's here to spice up your life - literally.
Looking for something more traditional? Try my recipe for Tailgate Chili with Beans.
Rich Dairy-Free Pumpkin Chili Recipe
Ingredients
- 1.5 to 2 lbs lean ground beef, or turkey
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 can, 14 oz pumpkin puree
- 4 tablespoon chili powder
- 3 tablespoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon tumeric
- 1-½ tablespoon salt, plus more to taste
- 1 box (16 oz) gluten free beef stock
- 1 can (14.5 oz) petite diced tomatoes
- 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
Instructions
- In a large, high-sided pot, cook your beef over medium high – high heat until brown and crumbled.
- When all the beef is browned, scoop the meat onto a plate or bowl and set aside. Leave the meat juices in the pot.
- Add your diced onion and garlic to the pot you used for your beef, and cook until onions are soft. Stir frequently.
- Add the ground beef back into your pot. Stir mixture to combine all the ingredients.
- Add your pumpkin puree into the pot and mix well.
- Cook this mixture for about a minute, stirring periodically
- Stir in your chili powder, cumin, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and tumeric.
- Add both cans of tomatoes and your gluten free beef stock, and stir.
- Bring mixture to a boil. (At this point there will be a lot of liquid in your pot – don’t worry, most of it will cook down/reduce by the time you’re done.)
- Reduce heat so that mixture is simmering, and cook for 30 minutes, stirring periodically.
- Stir in your cocoa powder and season your chili to taste with salt and pepper.
- Serve, and enjoy!
Chili FAQs:
Where did chili originate?
While some credit chili to earlier cultures, one of the earliest descriptions of chili in the US comes from a 1828 journal. When visiting San Antonio, Texas, J. C. Clopper described a meat stewed with tomatoes and chiles. While Texas is often cited as the birthplace of chili, Everette Lee DeGolyer, suggests something a bit different. A chili connoisseur and historian, DeGoyler thinks that chili became popular campfire fare among cowboys on the cattle trail (many of whom were Mexican). There is also some evidence chili was popular with gold-seekers on their way to California.
What makes it chili rather than stew or soup?
The basic ingredients are chili powder, beans, tomato, and ground meat. While there are many variations of chili, the fact that it uses a lot of fresh chilies or chili powder is what makes it different from other stews.
What is the big deal with chili?
Ok, for reals ya'll, in addition to being delicious, chili is a big deal to a whole part of the population. There are many people who secretly guard their recipe and travel around the country (and sometimes out of it) to put their chili recipe up against dozens of others. Don't believe me? Check out the International Chili Society which says it has been bringing people together over "America’s greatest culinary creation" since 1967.
Courtesy of Tina from Just Putzing Around The Kitchen, edited by Diana Losey
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