Gourmet Meal

Alice Brown

Experienced and passionate pastry chef with a flair for creative desserts. Adept at crafting delicious treats, utilizing quality ingredients, and maintaining high standards of excellence in culinary artistry.

Pumpkin Turkey Chili

Name: Pumpkin Turkey Chili
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: Mundial
Ingredients: 0.38 large onion; 0.75 medium carrots; 0.38 medium bell pepper; 0.75 medium jalapeño peppers; 1.5 cups kale; optional amount avocado; optional amount cilantro; optional amount lime; 0.38 lb ground turkey; 1.13 cans beans; 1.5-1.88 large cloves garlic; 1.13 Tbsp tomato paste; 1.13 Tbsp chili powder blend; 0.75 Tbsp ground cumin; 0.38 Tbsp dried oregano; 0.38 Tbsp smoked paprika; 0.28 tsp chipotle chili powder; 0.38 – 0.56 tsp salt; 0.09 tsp black pepper; 0.75 cans diced fire roasted tomatoes; 0.38 cans pumpkin purée; 0.38-0.75 cups water

The Pumpkin Turkey Chili is a tasty and hearty dish originating from American cuisine. This balanced and wholesome meal is a fantastic choice for those chilly autumn evenings when pumpkins are in season. The recipe combines the succulence of turkey with the sweetness of pumpkin, creating a fusion of flavors that are a treat to your taste buds.

What makes this dish special, apart from its delightful taste, is its versatility in serving contexts. This chili is suitable for family meals, potluck dinners, or even get-togethers such as Halloween parties. Infused with a variety of spices and beans, this meal embodies a comforting warmth that can create a cozy ambience in any gathering.

While traditionally made with turkey, this recipe is adaptable to meet various dietary needs. For instance, you can easily turn it into a vegan dish by substitifying the turkey with extra beans. The recipe also allows flexibility in terms of vegetables used, offering an excellent opportunity to use up any leftover veggies.

Calories
270
Time
60
Portions
6
Score
4.00

Ingredients

Vegetables & Fruits

Onion 0.38 large
Carrots 0.75 medium
Bell Pepper 0.38 medium
Jalapeño Peppers 0.75 medium
Kale 1.5 cups
Avocado optional amount
Cilantro optional amount
Lime optional amount

Meat & Bean Products

Ground Turkey 0.38 lb
Beans 1.13 cans

Spices & Condiments

Garlic 1.5-1.88 large cloves
Tomato Paste 1.13 Tbsp
Chili Powder Blend 1.13 Tbsp
Ground Cumin 0.75 Tbsp
Dried Oregano 0.38 Tbsp
Smoked Paprika 0.38 Tbsp
Chipotle Chili Powder 0.28 tsp
Salt 0.38 – 0.56 tsp
Black Pepper 0.09 tsp

Canned Goods

Diced Fire Roasted Tomatoes 0.75 cans
Pumpkin Purée 0.38 cans

Liquids

Water 0.38-0.75 cups

Preparation

Sautéing Vegetables and Turkey

Heat oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onions and carrots and sauté, stirring frequently, until the onions are tender — about 3-4 minutes. Add the bell pepper and sauté for another 1-2 minutes.
Add the turkey and cook, stirring occasionally, until no longer pink — about 3-4 minutes. Add the garlic, jalapeño, tomato paste, spices, salt, and pepper and stir to evenly coat the turkey.

Making the Chili

Add all remaining ingredients (diced tomatoes, drained beans, pumpkin purée, water, and chopped kale or other greens). Bring to a simmer. Once simmering, reduce heat and cook, uncovered, for 20-30 minutes to develop the flavors, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
Serve warm with optional garnishes of avocado, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. This chili tastes even better by being accompanied with a baked potato, rice, cornbread, or steamed green plantains.
Transfer leftovers to smaller containers to let cool before storing in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, or in the freezer for 1 month.

Suggestions

Pumpkin Substitution

If you can't get canned pumpkin purée, you can make homemade by peeling, roasting, and puréeing a fresh pumpkin. The flavor will still be excellent, but the texture may be a bit thicker than canned.

Heat Intensity

Although this chili is meant to be spicy, you can control the heat intensity. If you prefer a milder chili, omit the chipotle chili powder and use less jalapeño peppers.

Flavor Enhancing

I recommend allowing the chili to cool and then reheating it for serving. This will enhance the flavors, as the ingredients will have more time to merge together.

Frequent Questions

Can I substitute turkey with other meats?

Yes, you could substitute turkey with ground chicken, beef, or even pork. However, each of these options will provide a different flavor profile to the dish. So, experimentation is part of the fun!

How can I turn this dish into a vegetarian meal?

For a vegetarian version of the Pumpkin Turkey Chili, simply omit the turkey and replace it with extra cans of beans or even tofu. Make sure to balance the spices according to your tastes.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned ones?

Certainly, fresh tomatoes can be a great substitute for canned tomatoes. Make sure to de-seed the tomatoes before chopping them. The taste of fresh tomatoes is generally more pronounced and vibrant than canned ones.

What other vegetables can be added to this chili?

The Pumpkin Turkey Chili allows flexibility in terms of vegetables used. You may consider adding veggies like zucchini, eggplant, celery or even sweet potatoes based on your preferences.

Am I able to freeze the leftovers?

Yes, this chili freezes very well. After letting it cool down, simply put it in freezer-safe containers and store in the freezer for up to a month. It's a great option for making ahead and reheating on a busy day.