This unique chili recipe infuses the warmth of pumpkin with the heartiness of turkey and traditional chili spices. The result is a comforting dish perfect for fall and winter that's packed with protein and fiber to keep you full and satisfied.
Photos of Pumpkin Turkey Chili Recipe
The ingredients in this recipe should be readily available at your local grocery store. The key ingredient, pumpkin puree, can be found in the canned goods section. Don't mistake this for pumpkin pie filling, which has added sugar and spices. The cocoa powder might seem like a surprising addition, but it enhances the rich, savory flavors of the chili.
Ingredients for Pumpkin Turkey Chili
Yellow onion: Provides a sweet, caramel-like flavor base for the chili. Bell pepper: Adds a bit of crunch and sweetness. Garlic: Gives a kick of flavor. Ground turkey: A lean protein source. White beans: Adds creaminess and extra protein. Tomatoes: Gives the chili its traditional tang. Tomato paste: Adds depth of flavor. Pumpkin puree: Provides a sweet, earthy taste and creamy texture. Chicken broth: Adds depth and richness to the chili. Chili powder: Gives the chili its characteristic spiciness. Cocoa powder: Enhances the savory flavors of the chili. Cinnamon: A surprising addition that complements the pumpkin. Cumin: Adds a warm, earthy flavor. Spinach leaves: Adds color and extra nutrition. Avocado: Provides a creamy, healthy fat topping. Sour cream: Adds a tangy creaminess. Cilantro: Brightens up the dish with a hint of freshness.
One reader, Ivar Loya says:
This pumpkin turkey chili recipe is a game-changer! The combination of flavors is simply divine, and the pumpkin adds a delightful twist. It's hearty, healthy, and perfect for chilly evenings. Plus, it's so easy to make! I highly recommend trying it out.
Techniques Required for Pumpkin Turkey Chili Recipe
How to sauté vegetables: Sauté the onion and bell pepper in a large pot or dutch oven over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens, for about 7 minutes.
How to cook ground turkey or chicken: Add the ground turkey or chicken to the pot and cook for about 6 to 7 minutes, breaking up the meat as it cooks, until fully cooked.
How to simmer chili: After adding all the ingredients, reduce the heat and let the chili simmer for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
How to add spinach to chili: Right before serving, add the spinach to the chili and mix it throughout until wilted.
How to serve chili: Serve the chili with desired toppings, such as avocado, non-fat plain Greek yogurt, cilantro, and salsa.
How To Make Pumpkin Turkey Chili
Serve a well-seasoned and spiced pumpkin turkey chili dish for Fall season. Enjoy ground turkey, tomatoes, pumpkin, beans, and spinach with this tasty meal.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1largeyellow onion,diced
- 1mediumbell pepper,red, yellow, or orange, diced
- 6cloves garlic,minced, or ¾ tsp garlic powder
- 1 ⅓lbsground turkey,or chicken, 90 to 93% lean
- 15ozwhite beans,drained and rinsed (1 can)
- 28oztomatoes,diced, with liquid (1 can)
- ¼cuptomato paste,no salt added
- 14ozpumpkin puree,(1 can)
- 1cupchicken,or vegetable broth, reduced-sodium
- 2tbspchili powder
- 1tbspcocoa powder
- 1 ½tspground cinnamon,or 1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice
- 2 ½tspground cumin
- 1tspkosher salt
- ½tspground black pepper
- ½tspcayenne pepper,(optional)
- 4cupsbaby spinach leaves
- Avocado,(optional)
- Sour cream,or non-fat plain Greek yogurt (optional)
- Cilantro,(optional)
Instructions
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Liberally coat a large pot or Dutch oven with oil spray and warm over medium-high heat.
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Add the onion and bell pepper and sauté, stirring occasionally, for about 7 minutes, or until the onion softens.
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Add the garlic, stir everything together, and cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
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Add the ground turkey or chicken. Use a spatula or large spoon to break up the meat as it cooks. Continue to cook for about 6 to 7 minutes, until fully cooked.
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Add the beans, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, pumpkin puree, broth, chili powder, cocoa powder, cinnamon, cumin, black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper, and stir.
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Reduce heat and simmer for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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Right before serving, add the spinach and mix throughout.
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Serve the chili with desired toppings, such as avocado, non-fat plain Greek yogurt, cilantro, and salsa. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes
You can also cook this recipe using an instant pot: Press saute on the instant pot, then follow the steps first 5 steps, and cook for 15 minutes on high pressure, natural release. Add the spinach just before serving.
Nutrition
- Calories: 1061.68kcal
- Fat: 40.57g
- Saturated Fat: 10.70g
- Trans Fat: 0.49g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 13.99g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 11.49g
- Carbohydrates: 65.44g
- Fiber: 18.96g
- Sugar: 10.85g
- Protein: 114.52g
- Cholesterol: 330.48mg
- Sodium: 793.00mg
- Calcium: 374.73mg
- Potassium: 3243.12mg
- Iron: 16.90mg
- Vitamin A: 813.38µg
- Vitamin C: 56.28mg
Technique Tip for Enhancing Pumpkin Turkey Chili Flavor
When cooking the ground turkey, make sure to break it up into small pieces as it cooks. This will ensure that it cooks evenly and incorporates well with the other ingredients. Additionally, when adding the spinach, do it just before serving. This will keep the spinach fresh and vibrant, adding a nice color contrast to the chili.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Pumpkin Turkey Chili
Prep ahead: Chop and measure ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.
One-pot wonder: Opt for recipes that require minimal dishes and cooking utensils for easy cleanup.
Utilize leftovers: Repurpose leftover ingredients from previous meals to cut down on prep time and food waste.
Kitchen organization: Keep a well-organized kitchen to easily locate ingredients and cooking tools when needed.
Time-saving tools: Invest in kitchen gadgets like food processors and slow cookers to simplify meal preparation.
Batch cooking: Prepare large quantities of food at once and store for future use to save time on meal prep.
Substitute Ingredients For Pumpkin Turkey Chili Recipe
ground turkey - Substitute with ground chicken: Ground chicken can be used as a lean alternative to ground turkey, providing a similar texture and flavor profile.
white beans - Substitute with cannellini beans: Cannellini beans are a great substitute for white beans as they have a creamy texture and mild flavor, which complements the chili well.
pumpkin puree - Substitute with butternut squash puree: Butternut squash puree can be used as a substitute for pumpkin puree, offering a similar sweet and nutty flavor to the chili.
chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can be used as a substitute for chicken broth to make the chili vegetarian-friendly while still adding depth of flavor.
baby spinach leaves - Substitute with kale leaves: Kale leaves can be used as a substitute for baby spinach leaves, adding a hearty and nutritious element to the chili.
Presentation Ideas for Pumpkin Turkey Chili
Elevate the plating: When presenting the pumpkin turkey chili, focus on creating an elegant and visually appealing presentation. Use a wide, shallow bowl to showcase the vibrant colors and layers of the dish. Ensure that the chili is neatly spooned into the bowl, and use a garnish of fresh cilantro leaves to add a pop of green and enhance the overall aesthetic.
Incorporate texture: Consider adding a textural element to the presentation by serving the chili with a side of homemade cornbread or crusty artisanal bread. The contrast in textures will elevate the dining experience and add a delightful crunch to complement the hearty chili.
Artful drizzling: Prior to serving, drizzle a swirl of high-quality extra virgin olive oil over the chili. This not only adds a touch of richness but also creates an artistic element on the plate, showcasing attention to detail and culinary finesse.
Garnish with precision: Delicately place thin slices of ripe avocado on top of the chili, arranging them in a visually appealing manner. The creamy avocado not only enhances the flavor but also adds a luxurious touch to the presentation.
Use elegant serving ware: Opt for sophisticated, minimalist serving ware that allows the vibrant colors of the chili to take center stage. Choose white or neutral-toned plates to provide a clean backdrop for the dish, allowing the rich hues of the chili to shine through.
Balance and harmony: Pay attention to the balance of the presentation, ensuring that the components of the dish are harmoniously arranged on the plate. Aim for a visually balanced composition that is both inviting and appetizing.
Attention to detail: Prior to serving, carefully wipe the rim of the serving bowl to remove any smudges or spills, ensuring a pristine presentation that reflects professionalism and attention to detail.
Enhance with fresh herbs: Just before serving, sprinkle a few delicate cilantro leaves over the chili. The vibrant green color and fresh aroma of the cilantro will add a final touch of elegance and elevate the overall presentation.
Essential Tools for Making Pumpkin Turkey Chili Recipe
- Large pot or dutch oven: A large pot or dutch oven is essential for cooking the chili and allowing enough space for all the ingredients to simmer together.
- Spatula or large spoon: This is used to break up the ground turkey or chicken as it cooks and to stir the chili as it simmers.
- Oil spray: This is used to coat the pot or dutch oven to prevent the ingredients from sticking.
- Knife: A knife is needed for chopping the onion, bell pepper, and garlic.
- Cutting board: A cutting board is used as a surface for chopping the vegetables and garlic.
- Measuring cups and spoons: These are used to accurately measure out the ingredients such as the tomato paste, chili powder, cocoa powder, cinnamon, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Can opener: This is used to open the cans of white beans and diced tomatoes.
- Stove: The stove is used for cooking the chili at the appropriate temperature.
- Serving bowls and utensils: These are used for serving the chili and allowing individuals to add their desired toppings.
- Optional toppings (avocado, sour cream, cilantro): These are optional toppings that can be used to garnish the chili when serving.
Storing and Freezing Pumpkin Turkey Chili
- Allow the pumpkin turkey chili to cool completely before storing or freezing.
- For storing in the refrigerator, transfer the cooled chili to an airtight container. It will keep well for up to 4-5 days in the fridge.
- If you plan to freeze the chili, consider portioning it into individual serving sizes for easier thawing and reheating later.
- Use freezer-safe containers or resealable bags to store the chili in the freezer. Make sure to leave some headspace in the container or bag to allow for expansion during freezing.
- Label the containers or bags with the date and contents for easy identification.
- When stored properly in the freezer, the pumpkin turkey chili will maintain its best quality for up to 4-6 months.
- To reheat the frozen chili, first, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Then, transfer the thawed chili to a pot and heat it over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it's heated through. You may need to add a little water or broth to adjust the consistency if it has thickened during freezing.
- Alternatively, you can reheat the frozen chili directly in the microwave. Transfer the frozen chili to a microwave-safe bowl, cover it loosely, and microwave on high power in 1-2 minute intervals, stirring between each interval, until it's heated through.
How To Reheat Leftover Pumpkin Turkey Chili
The best way to reheat leftover pumpkin turkey chili is to use a saucepan on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Stir the chili occasionally to ensure even heating and to prevent scorching on the bottom of the pan. If the chili seems too thick, you can add a splash of chicken broth or water to help loosen it up.
Another option is to use the microwave. Transfer the desired amount of chili to a microwave-safe bowl and cover it with a damp paper towel to prevent splatters. Heat the chili in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until it reaches your desired temperature. Be careful not to overheat the chili, as it can cause the ground turkey to become tough and rubbery.
If you have a lot of leftover chili, you can also reheat it in a slow cooker or Crock-Pot. Transfer the chili to the slow cooker, cover it, and heat on low for 1-2 hours, or until it's heated through. This method is particularly useful if you're reheating chili for a large group or want to keep it warm for an extended period.
Regardless of the reheating method you choose, be sure to stir the chili well to distribute the heat evenly and ensure that all ingredients, such as the white beans and pumpkin puree, are thoroughly warmed.
When reheating, you may notice that the flavors have melded together even more than when the chili was first cooked. If desired, you can adjust the seasonings by adding a bit more chili powder, cumin, or salt to taste.
Lastly, don't forget to garnish your reheated chili with fresh toppings like avocado, sour cream, and cilantro to brighten up the flavors and add a pleasant contrast of textures to this comforting and hearty dish.
Random Fact About Pumpkin Turkey Chili
Pumpkin turkey chili is a great source of protein and fiber, making it a healthy and filling meal option.
Is Making Pumpkin Turkey Chili Economical for Home Cooking?
This pumpkin turkey chili recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, such as ground turkey, white beans, and pumpkin puree, are affordable and readily available. The dish is packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, making it a healthy and budget-friendly option. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $20, making it an economical choice. Overall, I would rate this recipe an 8 for its affordability, nutritional value, and delicious flavor.
Is Pumpkin Turkey Chili Healthy or Unhealthy?
This pumpkin turkey chili recipe is a healthy and nutritious meal option. Here's why:
- It uses lean ground turkey, which is a good source of protein and lower in fat compared to beef.
- The recipe includes a variety of vegetables such as onion, bell pepper, and spinach, providing essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
- Beans are an excellent source of plant-based protein, fiber, and complex carbohydrates.
- Pumpkin puree adds a boost of vitamin A, which is important for eye health and immune function.
- The use of spices like chili powder, cumin, and cinnamon not only enhances the flavor but also provides antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.
However, there are a few areas where the recipe could be improved to make it even healthier:
- Reduce the amount of salt to lower the sodium content. You can always add more salt to taste when serving.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to further reduce the sodium levels.
- Opt for a leaner cut of turkey, such as 99% lean ground turkey, to minimize the fat content.
- Increase the amount of vegetables by adding more bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini to boost the nutrient density of the chili.
- Serve the chili with whole-grain cornbread or brown rice to incorporate more complex carbohydrates and fiber into the meal.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream as a topping to reduce the fat content and increase the protein.
- Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice before serving to brighten the flavors and provide a dose of vitamin C.
Editor's Thoughts on This Delicious Chili Recipe
This pumpkin turkey chili recipe is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The combination of ground turkey, pumpkin puree, and a variety of spices creates a rich and hearty chili that is perfect for the fall season. The addition of white beans and baby spinach adds a satisfying element of creaminess and nutrition. The use of cocoa powder and cinnamon adds a subtle warmth and depth to the dish, elevating it to a whole new level. Topped with creamy avocado, tangy sour cream, and fresh cilantro, this chili is a comforting and satisfying meal that will surely become a favorite.
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Why trust this Pumpkin Turkey Chili Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful fusion of flavors and wholesome ingredients. The combination of pumpkin puree and cocoa powder creates a rich and velvety texture, while the addition of ground turkey ensures a lean protein source. The aromatic blend of cinnamon and cumin infuses warmth, complementing the savory notes of the bell pepper and onion. The incorporation of spinach leaves adds a vibrant touch, enhancing both visual appeal and nutritional value. With a harmonious balance of spices and a hearty base, this chili promises a satisfying and wholesome dining experience.
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