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–+ servings
Easy Creamy Pumpkin Turkey Chili Recipe

Pumpkin Turkey Chili

A creamy, comforting chili made with ground turkey, pumpkin puree, and a blend of warm spices. Perfect for cozy fall nights and family dinners.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 generous bowls
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 345
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground turkey 93 percent lean
  • 1 large yellow onion diced
  • 1 red bell pepper diced or use green for a classic note
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder use your favorite chili powder blend
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 pinch ground cinnamon optional but lovely
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 and 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup low sodium chicken broth use vegetable broth for vegetarian
  • 1 can pumpkin puree not pie filling
  • 1 can fire roasted diced tomatoes 14.5 oz
  • 1 can kidney beans drained and rinsed optional
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste optional for depth
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup or brown sugar optional to balance acidity
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or a squeeze of lime to finish
  • 1 small jalapeño minced optional add heat
  • 1 chipotle in adobo chopped optional add heat
  • 1 pinch cayenne optional add heat
  • 1 cup corn kernels optional add in
  • 1 can diced green chiles optional add in
Toppings
  • Greek yogurt or sour cream shredded cheddar avocado cilantro scallions lime wedges crushed tortilla chips

Equipment

  • Large Heavy Pot
  • skillet,

Method
 

  1. Warm the pot. Set a large heavy pot over medium heat. Add the olive oil. Give it a minute to shimmer. This first minute is when the kitchen starts to smell like dinner is coming.
  2. Sauté the aromatics. Add the diced onion and bell pepper. Cook about 5 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir now and then. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt to help them sweat. Add the garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Brown the turkey. Scoot the vegetables to the edges. Add the ground turkey to the center. Let it sit a moment to develop color then break it into crumbles. Cook 5 to 7 minutes until no longer pink.
  4. Bloom the spices. Sprinkle in chili powder cumin smoked paprika cinnamon oregano black pepper and the remaining salt. Stir for 30 to 60 seconds. Spices wake up in oil and heat. Your nose will tell you when they have bloomed.
  5. Build the base. Stir in the tomato paste if using. Add the pumpkin puree then the diced tomatoes and broth. Scrape the bottom to release any flavorful bits.
  6. Choose your heat. If you like a gentle warmth stop here. If you like a kick add jalapeño chipotle or a pinch of cayenne. This is your moment to shape a Mild Pumpkin Turkey Chili or a bold one.
  7. Simmer. Bring the pot to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low. Cover partially and cook 20 minutes. Stir once or twice. The pumpkin will relax into the broth and the chili will become creamy and thick.
  8. Add beans. If using beans stir them in now. Simmer another 5 minutes to warm through.
  9. Balance the flavors. Taste. If the tomatoes taste sharp add the maple syrup. If the pot feels heavy add the vinegar or lime. Salt to taste. Good chili is balanced savory with a little brightness and a whisper of sweet.
  10. Rest a moment. Turn off the heat and let the pot sit 5 minutes. Resting helps the flavors settle in.
  11. Serve with toppings. Ladle into bowls. Offer lime cilantro scallions yogurt or sour cream shredded cheddar and chips. Little hands love to sprinkle.
  12. Smile and save some for lunch. This pot tastes even better tomorrow. If your dough cracks it is proof you tried If your chili is slightly thicker or thinner than last time it is proof you cooked it fresh.

Nutrition

Calories: 345kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 26gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 67mgSodium: 520mgPotassium: 656mgFiber: 7gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 16370IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 130mgIron: 2.4mg

Notes

Make it your way while keeping the same cozy spirit. Layer flavor from the start. Searing the turkey before adding liquid creates savory depth. Blooming spices in oil is the difference between flat and bright. These small moments are the quiet architecture of a great pot of chili.
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