Description
Vegetarian Pumpkin Chili is a warm and hearty fall-inspired dish blending creamy pumpkin puree with black and kidney beans, vibrant vegetables, and warming autumn spices. This comforting chili is perfect for cozy evenings, offering rich flavors, satisfying textures, and a nutritious, fiber-packed meal suitable for vegetarians and gluten-free diets.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 jalapeño, finely chopped (adjust for spice preference)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 (14-ounce) can diced or crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 2 cups vegetable broth
Instructions
- Prep Your Veggies: Chop onions, bell peppers, and jalapeños finely. Mince the garlic to have all ingredients ready before heating your pan.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions, bell peppers, jalapeños, and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Spices and Tomato: Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir for 1-2 minutes to toast the spices. Then add diced tomatoes and cook until the mixture thickens slightly.
- Stir in Beans and Pumpkin: Add rinsed black beans, kidney beans, and pumpkin puree. Pour in vegetable broth to create the perfect chili consistency. Mix everything thoroughly.
- Simmer and Develop Flavor: Lower the heat and let the chili simmer uncovered for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, to meld all flavors beautifully.
- Taste and Adjust: Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or spice as desired to achieve your perfect flavor balance.
Notes
- Use fresh spices for the best flavor; avoid old or stale spices.
- Don’t skip sautéing vegetables to bring out their natural sweetness and deepen overall flavor.
- Use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, for authentic taste and texture.
- Let the chili rest a few minutes after cooking to allow flavors to deepen.
- Adjust consistency by adding broth or water to thin, or simmer longer if thicker texture is preferred.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg