Easy Vegetarian Pumpkin Chili Recipe: Cozy Comfort in a Bowl

Pumpkin chili revolutionizes the classic comfort dish into a vibrant, plant-powered culinary adventure that delights taste buds and nourishes the body.

Cool autumn evenings call for hearty meals that warm you from the inside out.

Robust spices and creamy pumpkin create a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate with unexpected complexity.

Packed with protein-rich legumes and seasonal vegetables, this chili offers a nutritious twist on traditional recipes.

Veggie lovers and meat enthusiasts alike will appreciate the deep, satisfying layers of taste that emerge from each carefully crafted spoonful.

Gentle heat and rich textures make this dish a perfect companion for cozy gatherings or quiet nights at home.

Grab your favorite toppings and get ready to experience a chili that breaks all the rules.

Keeping and Heating Pumpkin Chili Leftovers

• Refrigerate: Transfer cooled chili to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Freeze: Pack chili in freezer-safe containers or freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Reheat: Warm chili in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of vegetable broth if it seems dry. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until heated through evenly.

Good Matches for Vegetarian Pumpkin Chili

• Discover Zesty Wine Companions: Pair this hearty vegetarian pumpkin chili with a medium-bodied red wine like Zinfandel or Grenache, which complement the spicy and earthy flavors of the dish.
• Craft the Perfect Beer Match: Opt for an amber ale or a pumpkin beer that echoes the chili's warm spices and adds a complementary malty sweetness to each bite.
• Refresh with Crisp Beverage Choices: Balance the chili's robust flavors with a bright, citrusy craft beer like a wheat ale or a sparkling ginger kombucha for a tangy, refreshing contrast.
• Elevate with Creamy Toppings: Serve alongside a dollop of Greek yogurt or vegan sour cream to cool down the spices and add a creamy texture that enhances the chili's complex flavor profile.

Alternative Takes on Pumpkin Chili

• Smoky Southwest Pumpkin Chili: Replace jalapeño with chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a deep, smoky flavor profile that adds rich complexity to the dish.
• Autumn Harvest Veggie Chili: Incorporate additional seasonal vegetables like butternut squash, carrots, and diced celery to enhance nutritional value and create a heartier texture.
• Mediterranean Pumpkin Chili Fusion: Add kalamata olives, Greek oregano, and crumbled feta cheese to transform the traditional chili with Mediterranean-inspired ingredients that complement the pumpkin's earthy notes.
• Protein-Packed Quinoa Chili: Substitute half the beans with cooked quinoa to boost protein content and create a more filling meal with a slightly nutty undertone.

The Comfort in Vegetarian Pumpkin Chili

• Boost Nutrition Powerhouse: Packed with protein-rich beans, vitamins from pumpkin and vegetables, creating a hearty meal that nourishes your body without meat.
• Quick and Easy Comfort: Comes together in under 45 minutes with simple sautéing and simmering techniques, perfect for busy weeknight dinners or cozy weekend meals.
• Flavor Explosion Technique: Layered spices like cinnamon, cumin, and chili powder create a complex, warming taste profile that transforms ordinary vegetables into an extraordinary chili experience.
• Customizable Fall Favorite: Easily adaptable with various toppings like cilantro, avocado, or red onion, making it versatile for different taste preferences and dietary needs.

Ingredients You’ll Use for Pumpkin Chili

Main Ingredients:

• Onion: Provides a sweet and savory base flavor for the chili.
• Green Bell Pepper, Red Bell Pepper: Adds color, crunch, and mild pepper flavor to the dish.
• Jalapeño: Brings a mild heat and fresh pepper kick.
• Garlic: Offers a sharp, aromatic flavor that enhances the overall taste.
• Sweet Potato: Adds natural sweetness and hearty texture to the chili.

• Pinto Beans, Kidney Beans, Black Beans: Provide plant-based protein, fiber, and creamy texture.
• Pumpkin Puree: Adds rich, smooth texture and subtle earthy flavor with extra nutrients.

• Vegetable Broth: Creates a flavorful liquid base for the chili.
• Petite Diced Tomatoes: Adds acidity, moisture, and fresh tomato flavor.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Basic seasoning for balanced flavor.
• Cinnamon, Cumin, Chili Powder, Onion Powder: Provide warm, complex spice profile and depth.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing vegetables and creating a smooth cooking base.

• Cilantro: Adds fresh, bright herb flavor.
• Red Onion: Provides crisp, sharp accent.
• Avocado: Offers creamy, rich topping with healthy fats.

Simmering Instructions for Vegetarian Pumpkin Chili

Step 1: Prepare Cooking Vessel

Grab a large pot or Dutch oven and place it on the stovetop. Select a 5-quart or larger cooking vessel for maximum comfort.

Step 2: Launch Vegetable Sautéing

• Chopped onions
• Green bell peppers
• Red bell peppers
• Jalapeño peppers

Stir and dance the vegetables around for 5 minutes until they soften and become fragrant.

Step 3: Unleash Flavor Boosters

• Minced garlic
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Ground cinnamon
• Cumin
• Chili powder
• Onion powder

Stir continuously for 1 minute to create a spice symphony.

Step 4: Build Chili Foundation

• Vegetable broth
• Petite diced tomatoes
• Pinto beans
• Kidney beans
• Pumpkin puree
• Diced sweet potato
• Black beans (optional)

Blend everything together with a hearty stir.

Step 5: Slow Simmer Magic

Cover the pot, reduce heat to medium-low. Let the chili bubble gently for 30 minutes. Stir occasionally and watch the flavors mingle and dance.

Step 6: Create Chili Masterpiece

• Fresh cilantro
• Diced red onion
• Sliced avocado

Serve hot and enjoy your vegetarian pumpkin chili adventure!

Tips for Flavorful Pumpkin Chili

• Boost Veggie Texture: Dice vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent bite in every spoonful.
• Spice Layer Technique: Toast spices briefly before adding liquid ingredients to intensify their aromatic flavors and deepen the chili's complexity.
• Liquid Balance Trick: Adjust vegetable broth quantity to control thickness- add more for soupier consistency or simmer longer for thicker chili.
• Sweet Potato Secret: Cut sweet potato into small, consistent cubes to guarantee they cook completely and blend smoothly with other ingredients.
• Bean Preparation Tip: Rinse canned beans thoroughly to reduce sodium content and eliminate any metallic taste, ensuring cleaner flavor profile.

Vegetarian Pumpkin Chili Recipe

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4.8 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty vegetarian pumpkin chili brings Mexican-inspired comfort to your autumn table. Loaded with robust beans, sweet pumpkin, and warming spices, this nourishing one-pot meal invites you to savor seasonal flavors with minimal effort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
• 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree
• 1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced (about 1 heaping cup)
• 3 (14-ounce) cans petite diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• ½ (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed (optional)

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 cup chopped yellow onion (about ½ of a large onion)
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 small jalapeño, minced (remove seeds and ribs for less heat)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 ½ teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 2 cups (480 ml) vegetable broth

Optional Serving Ingredients:

• Chopped cilantro
• Chopped red onion
• Sliced avocado

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a generously sized pot over medium temperature, creating a fragrant cooking environment.
2. Introduce chopped onion, vibrant green and red bell peppers, and fiery jalapeño to the oil, allowing them to soften and release their aromatic essence for approximately 5 minutes.
3. Incorporate minced garlic and a harmonious blend of spices – salt, black pepper, cinnamon, cumin, chili powder, and onion powder – stirring vigorously to ensure even distribution of flavors.
4. Pour in vegetable broth, creating a liquid foundation for the chili, then add petite diced tomatoes with their rich juices.
5. Gently fold in a medley of beans – pinto, kidney, and black varieties – each contributing unique texture and earthiness to the dish.
6. Introduce velvety pumpkin puree and diced sweet potato, transforming the chili into a hearty, autumnal masterpiece.
7. Reduce heat to a gentle simmer, cover the pot, and let the ingredients meld together for roughly 30 minutes, occasionally stirring to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
8. Once sweet potatoes reach a tender consistency and flavors have deeply intertwined, remove from heat.
9. Ladle the robust chili into serving bowls, offering optional garnishes like fresh cilantro, crisp red onion, or creamy avocado slices to enhance the culinary experience.

Notes

• Elevate this hearty vegetarian chili by choosing ripe, firm pumpkin and mixing various beans for a protein-packed meal.
• Adjust spice levels by removing jalapeño seeds or adding extra chili powder to match your heat preference.
• Enhance flavors by letting the chili simmer longer, allowing spices to develop a deep, rich taste profile.
• Prep ingredients beforehand to streamline cooking and ensure a quick, stress-free meal preparation.
• Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 5 days, as the chili’s taste improves with overnight refrigeration.
• Consider serving with cornbread, rice, or crusty bread to create a complete and satisfying dinner experience.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 10g
• Protein: 9g
• Cholesterol: 0mg