Healthy Pumpkin Turkey Chili

Background:

This Healthy Pumpkin Chili is perfect fall comfort food. All you need are a few simple ingredients like warming spices, lean ground beef, and hearty canned pumpkin to make and delicious and filling one-pot meal.

One of our favorite ingredients to use during the fall and winter months is pumpkin! We all know that canned pumpkin is great in delicious baked goods but, pumpkin is actually incredibly versatile and works just as well in savory dishes.

Pumpkin is part of the squash family (think spaghetti squash, acorn squash, and butternut squash) and a mild flavor, which makes it a great addition to a chili recipe. Pumpkin is rich in vitamin A, high in potassium and vitamin C benefitting the health of our eyes, our heart and our immunity. This healthy and easy pumpkin chili incorporates pumpkin puree for extra fiber, cozy warming spices for ultimate flavor, and is finished with your favorite toppings for a delicious one-pot meal that you will love.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound lean ground turkey
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree
• 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 ½ cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)

Directions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
4. Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper.
5. Add pumpkin puree, diced tomatoes, beans, and chicken broth. Stir to combine.
6. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 25–30 minutes.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed before serving.

Nutrition (per serving):

• Calories: 278
• Fat: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Sugar: 7g
• Fiber: 10g
• Protein: 29g
• Sodium: 620mg
• Calcium: 80mg
• Iron: 5mg

Tips, Tricks, and Substitutions

• Want to make vegetarian version? Skip the beef and add an extra can of beans. You can use kidney beans or black beans.
• Need to switch up the protein? Feel free to use ground turkey instead of beef.
• Use canned pumpkin and not pumpkin purée. Pumpkin pie filling will have added sugar and other ingredients.
• Check your labels and make sure that the only ingredient is pumpkin.
• Want to freeze your chili? That is a great idea! Once the chili is fully cooled, transfer it to a freezer safe storage container and place in the freezer. To thaw, transfer the chili to the fridge to let thaw completely. When you are ready to eat, reheat the chili on the stovetop or in the microwave.
• Need help with toppings? Some of my very favorites are sour cream, finely diced red onion, cilantro, shredded cheddar cheese, green onions, and even crunched up tortilla chips.

Source: https://abraskitchen.com/pumpkin-turkey-chili/