HEARTY PUMPKIN AND GROUND TURKEY CHILI

I make my chili with ground turkey breast (a leaner protein), canned pumpkin, lots of peppers, plenty of beans, and a bit of cocoa powder for some extra deep flavor. It’s packed with health benefits too:

• Pumpkin is rich in immune-supportive vitamin A and provides important nutrients for eye health

• Peppers are loaded with vitamin C, which is necessary for forming collagen – I don’t know about you, but I like my skin firm with healthy glow!

• The beans add additional fiber, which I’m sure you’ve heard me say is an excellent weight management tool

• The tomatoes are full of lycopene, a key cancer-fighting antioxidant

All those nutritional benefits and more—and it tastes great too!

INGREDIENTS:

2 lbs ground turkey breast

1 large onion, chopped

1 large green bell pepper, seeded and chopped

½ large red bell pepper, seeded and chopped

1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and chopped

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 28-oz can diced tomatoes, undrained

1 25-oz jar tomato sauce

1 16-oz can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed

1 16-oz can black beans, drained and rinsed

1 can plain pumpkin

1-1/2 tablespoons chili powder

1 tablespoon cocoa powder

1 teaspoon dried basil

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon pepper

INSTRUCTIONS

1.     Spray a large soup pot with cooking spray. Brown turkey, onions, peppers over medium-high heat for 8-10 minutes or until the turkey is cooked through. Add garlic and sauté for 1-2 more minutes. 

2.     Stir in the undrained tomatoes, beans, tomato sauce, pumpkin, cocoa powder, chili powder, basil, salt and pepper.

3.     Bring to near boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. 

4.     Serve with shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of plain Greek yogurt, and sliced green onions

5.     Serves 10-12

RECIPE NOTES

Pro Tip:  Ladle the leftovers into pint-size mason jars and throw them in the freezer for a quick and easy-to-pack lunch or dinner.  Chili also freezes well so you can make 2 batches at once and freeze one entire batch in a large bowl or ziplock bag for a ready-made dinner on a busy night.