Description
This Vegetarian Pumpkin Chili is a hearty, healthy, and flavorful plant-based meal perfect for fall. Loaded with black beans, kidney beans, roasted tomatoes, and pumpkin puree, it’s seasoned with warming spices like chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and a hint of cinnamon. Easy to prepare on the stovetop, this chili is naturally vegan, gluten-free, and packed with fiber and protein, making it a nutritious and comforting dish for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
Beans and Canned Goods
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
Liquids & Broth
- 1 ½ cups vegetable broth
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Heat and sauté aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until it becomes translucent and soft.
- Add vegetables: Stir in the minced garlic, diced bell pepper, and diced zucchini. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften.
- Bloom spices: Sprinkle in the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, cinnamon, salt, black pepper, and cayenne if using. Cook the mixture for 1 minute to release the flavors of the spices.
- Add beans and liquids: Pour in the drained black beans, kidney beans, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, pumpkin purée, and vegetable broth. Stir everything thoroughly to combine the ingredients evenly.
- Simmer the chili: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Allow the chili to cook uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, so the flavors meld and the chili thickens slightly.
- Adjust and serve: Taste the chili and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with your favorite toppings such as avocado slices, sour cream, shredded cheese, or fresh cilantro.
Notes
- For a thicker chili, simmer for a longer period or mash some of the beans before serving to add creaminess.
- Leftovers develop deeper flavors and taste even better the next day.
- This recipe freezes well and is excellent for meal prep—just cool completely before storing in airtight containers.
- Feel free to customize toppings to your preference for added texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 11g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
