Description
Warm up your evenings with hearty Vegetarian Pumpkin Chili, a rich, plant-based delight packed with spices, vibrant veggies, and the perfect balance of savory and subtly sweet flavors. This cozy dish combines the earthiness of pumpkin with robust spices and wholesome ingredients for a satisfying and comforting meal suitable for nutritious dinners or flavorful meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Base
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 cup cooked beans (black beans, kidney beans, or chickpeas)
- 1 can (14 oz) diced natural tomatoes
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
Smoky Ingredient
- 4 oz smoked turkey bacon, chopped
Spices and Seasonings (natural)
- 1 tsp chipotle chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Liquids and Texture
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1 tsp natural gelling agent
Instructions
- Prepare and Sauté Aromatics: Start by heating a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onions, minced garlic, chopped bell peppers, and smoked turkey bacon pieces. Sauté until the vegetables soften and the smoked turkey bacon is nicely crisped, releasing a smoky aroma.
- Add Spices and Tomato Base: Stir in chipotle chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and salt. Let the spices toast gently to unlock their full flavor. Pour in diced natural tomatoes and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce for a rich, tangy chili base.
- Mix in Pumpkin and Beans: Stir in pumpkin puree and cooked beans, mixing thoroughly. Add vegetable broth and natural gelling agent, stirring well to achieve perfect consistency.
- Simmer and Season: Bring the chili to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to meld flavors. Finish with a splash of apple cider vinegar, then adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
- Use freshly ground spices for the best flavor.
- Incorporate smoked turkey bacon for essential savory depth.
- Simmer slowly to enhance the layering of flavors and avoid burning.
- Adjust chili thickness by adding or reducing vegetable broth as preferred.
- Season towards the end of cooking to balance acidity and saltiness perfectly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: vegetarian pumpkin chili, plant-based chili, pumpkin recipe, gluten free chili, hearty vegetarian meal
