Four-Bean & Pumpkin Chili

Four-Bean & Pumpkin Chili

8
This healthy vegetarian chili has a fragrant touch of cinnamon for added flavor. Let diners top it with whatever suits their taste.

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3 cups chopped onion
  • 1 ½ cups chopped carrot
  • 3 large cloves garlic

    minced

  • 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
  • 3 cups diced pumpkin or butternut squash
  • 1 can no-salt-added crushed tomatoes

    28 ounce

  • 4 cans low-sodium beans

    such as black, great northern, pinto and/or red, rinsed, 15 ounce

  • 3 tablespoons chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
    or to taste
  • Diced onion

    sliced jalapeños, Cotija cheese and/or pepitas for garnish

Directions

  1. 1

    Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook, stirring often, until starting to brown, about 5 minutes. Reduce heat to medium, add carrot and continue cooking, stirring often, until the vegetables are soft, 4 to 5 minutes more. Add garlic and cook, stirring, for 1 minute.

  2. 2

    Stir in broth, scraping up any browned bits, and bring to a boil over high heat. Add pumpkin (or squash), tomatoes, beans, chili powder, cumin, cinnamon, salt and cayenne (if using). Cover and return to a boil. Reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer and cook, uncovered, until the pumpkin (or squash) is tender, about 30 minutes.

  3. 3

    Serve garnished with onion, jalapeños, cheese and/or pepitas, if desired.

Four-Bean & Pumpkin Chili

Four-Bean & Pumpkin Chili

85 min8

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About this Recipe

Craving a hearty, healthy meal that warms you from the inside out? This Four-Bean & Pumpkin Chili is your answer, offering rich flavors and satisfying textures in every spoonful, perfect for any occasion.

What makes this vegetarian chili truly special is the unexpected yet delightful hint of cinnamon, which perfectly complements the earthy beans and sweet pumpkin. It's a healthy, fragrant twist on a classic comfort food that stands out from typical chili recipes. The blend of four different beans also ensures a substantial, protein-packed dish that will keep you feeling full and satisfied.

You'll discover a chili that's deeply savory, with a pleasant warmth from the chili powder and cayenne, and a subtle sweetness from the pumpkin and carrots. The variety of beans, such as black, great northern, pinto, and/or red, provides a delightful textural contrast, making each bite interesting and fulfilling. This robust, comforting dish feels both indulgent and remarkably wholesome, making it an ideal choice for a nutritious family dinner.

Personalize your bowl with your favorite toppings like diced onion, sliced jalapeños for an extra kick, Cotija cheese for a salty tang, or pepitas for a satisfying crunch. While the recipe suggests pumpkin, butternut squash makes an excellent alternative if that's what you have on hand, offering a similar sweetness and texture.

Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner, a casual gathering, or a potluck, this chili is designed to be dressed up or down. Serve it simply with a spoon, or set up a topping bar for a fun, interactive meal that caters to everyone's preferences.

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