Black Bean ’n’ Pumpkin Chili

Experience a delightful twist on traditional chili with Deborah Vliet’s Black Bean ‘n’ Pumpkin Chili—a heartwarming and flavorful variation that will warm your family’s hearts on chilly days. This unique chili recipe blends the richness of black beans and the savory goodness of cooked turkey with the seasonal charm of pumpkin, creating a comforting and wholesome dish that is sure to become a family favorite.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 medium sweet yellow pepper, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 2 cans (15 ounces each) black beans, rinsed and drained
• 2½ cups cubed cooked turkey
• 1 can (15 ounces) solid-pack pumpkin
• 1 can (14½ ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 2 teaspoons dried parsley flakes
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1½ teaspoons dried oregano
• 1½ teaspoons ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon salt

PREPARATIONS:

1. In a large skillet, sauté the chopped onion and sweet yellow pepper in olive oil until tender. Add the minced garlic and continue cooking for an additional minute. Transfer this fragrant mixture to a 5-qt. slow cooker.
2. Stir in the remaining ingredients into the slow cooker, combining the black beans, cubed cooked turkey, solid-pack pumpkin, diced tomatoes, dried parsley flakes, chili powder, dried oregano, ground cumin, and salt.
3. Cover the slow cooker and let the chili simmer on low heat for 4-5 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the ingredients to heat through.

YIELD: 10 servings (2½ quarts)

PREP/TOTAL TIME: 20 minutes (preparation) + 4-5 hours (cooking)

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

• For a vegetarian version, substitute the cooked turkey with plant-based protein or additional vegetables for a hearty and wholesome meat-free option.

TIPS:

• Garnish each serving with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded cheese for added creaminess and indulgence.

Deborah Vliet’s Black Bean ‘n’ Pumpkin Chili offers a delightful and innovative take on traditional chili, elevating the comforting flavors to new heights with the addition of black beans and the seasonal charm of pumpkin. This unique chili recipe is sure to become a family favorite, cherished for its heartwarming appeal and wholesome taste.

The combination of tender black beans, cubed cooked turkey, solid-pack pumpkin, diced tomatoes, and an array of flavorful spices creates a harmonious medley of tastes that will delight your taste buds. The sautéed onion, sweet yellow pepper, and minced garlic infuse the dish with delightful aromas, enhancing the overall dining experience.

With the convenience of a slow cooker, this chili can be effortlessly prepared, allowing the ingredients to simmer and meld to perfection over a few hours. This delightful dish can be enjoyed freshly prepared, or it can be stored in the freezer for later enjoyment, as the flavors intensify with time.

For a versatile option, consider adapting the recipe to suit dietary preferences, such as a vegetarian version by substituting the turkey with plant-based protein or additional vegetables.

In conclusion, Deborah Vliet’s Black Bean ‘n’ Pumpkin Chili offers a delightful and wholesome dining experience that is sure to bring comfort and joy to your family, especially on cold days. Embrace the fusion of black beans and pumpkin, creating a unique and memorable variation on classic chili. With the convenience of a slow cooker, this chili is easy to prepare and promises a delicious treat that will warm the hearts of your loved ones.