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Pumpkin Turkey Chili
Melissa Hart

Pumpkin Turkey Chili

Pumpkin belongs in chili when it disappears into the base and leaves body behind. You shouldn't taste pie spice or dessert. Chipotle, cumin and browned turkey keep the pot smoky, while two kinds of beans make it substantial enough for dinner.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs ground turkey
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large yellow onion diced
  • 1 red bell pepper diced
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 minced chipotle chile in adobo
  • 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 can 15 oz pumpkin puree
  • 1 can 28 oz crushed tomatoes
  • 1 can 15 oz black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can 15 oz kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth

Method
 

  1. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the turkey, breaking it into small crumbles, until no pink remains, 7 to 8 minutes.
  2. Add the onion and bell pepper and cook until the onion softens, 4 minutes, then stir in the garlic for 30 seconds.
  3. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, chipotle and salt and cook until fragrant, 30 seconds.
  4. Transfer the mixture to a 6-quart slow cooker and stir in the pumpkin, tomatoes, both beans and broth.
  5. Cover and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours until the chili is thick and the pepper pieces are tender.
  6. Uncover for the final 20 minutes if the chili looks loose, then taste for salt and chipotle heat before serving.