Description

This easy Vegetarian Pumpkin Chili is a cozy, nourishing meal perfect for chilly days. Packed with hearty vegetables, a blend of warm spices, and the creamy sweetness of pumpkin, this chili offers comforting, balanced flavors. It is simple to prepare with wholesome ingredients and customizable for various tastes and dietary needs.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 bell pepper, diced

Spices & Flavorings

2 teaspoons chili powder (natural)
1 teaspoon cumin (natural)
Pinch of salt
2 tablespoons vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)

Main Components

1 cup pumpkin puree
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup vegetable broth (natural)
1/2 cup chopped smoked turkey bacon
1 teaspoon natural gelling agent

Instructions

Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onions, minced garlic, and diced bell peppers. Cook for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant, building the savory foundation for the chili.
Add Spices and Smoked Turkey Bacon: Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, and a pinch of salt. Stir to combine. Then add chopped smoked turkey bacon. Let the bacon render slightly and release its smoky flavor, infusing the chili base.
Incorporate Pumpkin and Tomatoes: Mix in the pumpkin puree along with the diced tomatoes. Stir well to blend the creamy and tangy elements, creating a rich sauce that coats every ingredient.
Add Beans and Broth: Add rinsed black beans and kidney beans, then pour in vegetable broth. Bring everything to a gentle simmer and let it cook uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, allowing all flavors to meld and the chili to thicken nicely with the natural gelling agent.
Season and Finish: Stir in vegetarian Worcestershire sauce and adjust seasoning to taste. Let the chili rest briefly before serving to deepen the flavor harmony.

Notes

Use freshly ground chili powder and cumin for best flavor.
Simmer gently to keep the chili thick and balanced.
Include smoked turkey bacon for smoky richness.
Adjust seasoning at the end to perfect the flavor.
Let chili rest before serving for better flavor melding.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: Simmering
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 250
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 400mg
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 10g
Protein: 12g
Cholesterol: 10mg

Keywords: Vegetarian Pumpkin Chili, Pumpkin Chili, Vegetarian Chili, Comfort Food, Gluten Free