Pumpkin Patch Chili: A Warming Brew for Halloween Hour

As the eerie night of Halloween descends, a bubbling pot of Pumpkin Patch Chili is just what you need to warm the bones of your ghostly guests. This savory stew, brimming with hearty beans and tender ground turkey, gets a festive twist with the addition of pumpkin, making it a perfect last-minute concoction for your Halloween gathering.

Photo of a warm and hearty bowl of Pumpkin Patch Chili set on a rustic wooden table. The chili is rich with beans, ground meat, tomatoes, and pumpkin

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound ground turkey
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, or fresh cilantro

Instructions:

  1. Browning the Turkey:
    • In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground turkey over medium heat until browned and cooked through, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
  2. Sautéing Vegetables:
    • Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot with the turkey, and sauté for about 3-5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
  3. Adding the Beans and Pumpkin:
    • Stir in the black beans, kidney beans, pumpkin puree, diced tomatoes (with their juice), and broth.
  4. Seasoning the Chili:
    • Add the chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper, stirring well to combine all the ingredients.
  5. Simmering:
    • Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20-30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
  6. Serving:
    • Once the chili is heated through and the flavors have melded, ladle it into bowls.
    • Offer a variety of toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, or fresh cilantro for guests to customize their bowls.

The Pumpkin Patch Chili is a comforting, nutritious, and thematic addition to your Halloween table. Its warm, hearty nature paired with the festive pumpkin twist makes it a crowd-pleaser that’s quick and easy to whip up, even as the witching hour approaches. So, stir up a cauldron of this enchanting elixir and let the Halloween revelry begin!

Leave a Comment