Thick and flavorful, this pumpkin chili does not taste like pumpkin at all. But the pumpkin adds wonderful texture and also makes it healthier.
The idea of pumpkin chili may sound suspicious, but it’s really, really good! It’s actually my favorite chili recipe to make these days, and I make it year-round.
What does pumpkin chili taste like?
Let me reassure you… it is not sweet! It does not taste like pumpkin pie, and you actually can’t even taste the pumpkin as a separate flavor.
Adding it simply results in a lovely, thick, very flavorful stew. And the added bonus: pumpkin is very healthy!
I tried making this recipe for the first time in October of last year. Cooking pumpkin recipes this time of year is a beloved tradition of mine, and I know I’m not alone in this. 🙂
I expected it to be a purely seasonal (not to mention experimental) recipe. But this chili turned out so well, that it is now my favorite chili recipe which I make throughout the winter (actually, throughout the year!).
I even prefer it to my excellent no-bean chili. I think it’s richer and more flavorful.
The tomatoes I use in this pumpkin chili
If you can get the chopped tomatoes brand that I use – Pomi – do use it. It’s available at Whole Foods and on Amazon (see link in the recipe card below). And it should also be available in some supermarkets – my supermarket (Safeway in Northern California) carries it.
I like to use this Italian brand because it’s thicker and sweeter than American canned diced tomatoes, and makes a noticeable difference in the outcome of recipes that rely on canned tomatoes.
What about leftovers?
As with all chilis, leftovers of this keto pumpkin chili are excellent and in fact, it tastes even better the next day.
You can keep the leftovers in the fridge, in an airtight container, for 3-4 days. I reheat them covered, in the microwave on 50% power.
Pumpkin Chili
INGREDIENTS
Seasoning mix:
- 3 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne
Chili:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 lbs. 85% lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 medium bell peppers, any color, finely chopped (8oz)
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 1 (15 oz can) pumpkin puree
- 26 oz Pomi chopped tomatoes, or 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
INSTRUCTIONS
- Prepare the seasoning mix: In a small bowl, mix together the chili powder, cumin, paprika, cocoa powder, cinnamon and cayenne. Set aside.
- Heat the olive oil in a very large, deep saucepan (I used a deep 14-inch skillet) over medium-high heat, about 2 minutes. Add the beef, the onion and the bell peppers. Cook, stirring occasionally, breaking up the beef into smaller chunks, until beef is browned, about 10 minutes.
- Add the garlic and the seasoning mix. Cook, stirring until well incorporated into the beef mixture, 1 minute.
- Add the pumpkin puree, the crushed tomatoes and the salt. Stir to combine. Bring to a boil, then lower heat to medium-low and cook, uncovered, stirring occasionally, 20 minutes. Serve, if desired, with a dollop of sour cream, guacamole, and/or grated cheddar.
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Vered DeLeeuw, LL.M., has been following a healthy real-food diet and blogging about it since 2011. She has taken 
