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Wholesome Pumpkin Turkey Chili

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A cozy, nourishing turkey chili with pumpkin puree that adds subtle sweetness and creamy texture, perfect for clean eating and comfort food lovers.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground turkey (lean, organic or free-range preferred)
  • 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie mix)
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup diced bell peppers (any color)
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (fire-roasted or regular)
  • 1 can black beans or kidney beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
  • 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder (mild or medium heat)
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • Black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Optional toppings: fresh cilantro, sliced avocado, plain Greek yogurt or dairy-free yogurt, shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat until shimmering, about 1-2 minutes.
  2. Add diced onion and bell peppers; cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
  3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
  4. Add ground turkey, breaking it up with a spoon; cook until no longer pink and starting to brown, about 7-8 minutes. Drain excess liquid if needed.
  5. Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper over the turkey mixture; stir well and toast spices for 1-2 minutes.
  6. Pour in diced tomatoes with juices and broth; stir to combine.
  7. Stir in pumpkin puree and beans if using; chili will thicken and become creamy.
  8. Reduce heat to low, cover partially with a lid, and simmer gently for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add more broth or water if too thick.
  9. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or chili powder as needed. Optionally add a pinch of sugar to balance acidity.
  10. Serve hot with optional toppings like cilantro, avocado, or yogurt.

Notes

Do not skip the simmering step to allow flavors to meld and pumpkin to add creamy texture. Brown the turkey thoroughly for better flavor. Adjust spice level by adding cayenne or chipotle powder if desired. If chili is too thick, thin with broth or water; if too thin, simmer uncovered to reduce. Fresh spices improve flavor depth.

Nutrition

Keywords: pumpkin chili, turkey chili, clean eating, healthy chili, fall recipe, easy dinner, one-pot meal, gluten-free chili, dairy-free chili

Find it online: https://emmayum.com/wholesome-pumpkin-turkey-chili-recipe-for-easy-clean-eating-comfort/