Turkey Pumpkin White Bean Chili

Why Make This Recipe

Turkey Pumpkin White Bean Chili is an exciting twist on traditional chili that warms you up and fills you with comfort. The combination of ground turkey, creamy pumpkin, and white beans creates a flavorful, nutritious dish perfect for any season. The pumpkin adds a subtle sweetness, while the spices give it a spicy kick, making it a cozy meal for chilly nights. Plus, it’s a hearty meal that is easy to prepare and is great for serving a crowd or enjoying as leftovers. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or enjoy a simple family dinner, this chili has it all!

How to Make Turkey Pumpkin White Bean Chili

Making Turkey Pumpkin White Bean Chili is quick and straightforward, even for novice cooks. With just a bit of prep and a large pot or Dutch oven, you’ll have a delicious and healthy meal ready in no time. Follow the step-by-step directions, and you’ll be on your way to creating a warm bowl of chili.

Ingredients

To prepare Turkey Pumpkin White Bean Chili, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, add for more heat)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree
• 1 (15-ounce) can great northern beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt (for garnish, optional)
• Shredded cheddar cheese (for garnish, optional)
• Lime wedges (for serving, optional)

Directions

1. Heat Olive Oil: Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat until it’s hot but not smoking.

2. Cook Onions: Add the chopped onion to the pot. Cook until softened, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure they cook evenly.

3. Add Garlic: Once the onions are soft, add the minced garlic. Cook for an additional minute, allowing the garlic to become fragrant.

4. Brown Turkey: Next, add the ground turkey to the pot. Break it up with a spatula and cook until it is browned, which will take about 7 to 10 minutes. If there is excess grease, drain it off.

5. Season the Turkey: Once the turkey is browned, season it with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if you’re using it), oregano, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Stir well and cook for an additional minute to allow the spices to bloom.

6. Add Other Ingredients: Stir in the pumpkin puree, great northern beans, cannellini beans, and diced tomatoes. Make sure everything is combined well.

7. Add Chicken Broth: Pour in the chicken broth. Bring this mixture to a simmer. Once it’s simmering, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes, ideally up to 1 hour. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

8. Incorporate Corn: In the last 10 minutes of cooking, stir in the frozen corn so it warms through.

9. Taste and Adjust: Before serving, taste the chili and adjust the seasonings as necessary. Add more salt, pepper, or spices according to your preference.

10. Serve: Serve the chili hot in bowls. Garnish with chopped cilantro, and if you like, add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, shredded cheese, and serve lime wedges on the side.

How to Serve Turkey Pumpkin White Bean Chili

Turkey Pumpkin White Bean Chili is perfect as a main dish. You can serve it in deep bowls with optional toppings that you and your guests can add to taste. These toppings might include fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, shredded cheddar cheese, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.

Pair your chili with sides like crusty bread or tortilla chips for dipping. Salad can also be a light and refreshing complement to balance the flavor. For a more substantial meal, you might serve this chili over a bed of rice or quinoa.

How to Store Turkey Pumpkin White Bean Chili

After you’ve enjoyed your delicious Turkey Pumpkin White Bean Chili, you might find that you have some leftovers. Here’s how to store and reheat them:

1. Cool Down: Allow the chili to cool to room temperature before storing it. This helps prevent condensation inside the storage container.

2. Choose Your Containers: Use airtight containers to keep the chili fresh. You can use either glass or plastic containers.

3. Refrigerate or Freeze: Store the chili in the refrigerator if you plan to eat it within the next 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze portions of the chili. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer.

4. Reheat: To reheat, simply warm the chili in a pot on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s heated through. If you’re using frozen chili, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. You can also use the microwave; just be sure to cover the bowl to avoid splattering.

Tips to Make Turkey Pumpkin White Bean Chili

If you want to make your Turkey Pumpkin White Bean Chili even better, consider the following tips:

• Add Vegetables: Feel free to add more veggies! Bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots can all be great additions to your chili for extra nutrients and flavor.

• Make it Vegetarian: To make this chili vegetarian, skip the turkey and use additional beans, lentils, or extra vegetables instead.

• Adjust Spice Levels: If you prefer a milder chili, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper or omit it altogether. On the other hand, for a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce.

• Use Different Beans: While great northern and cannellini beans work wonderfully, you can experiment with any beans you prefer, such as black beans or pinto beans.

• Serve with Cornbread: It pairs beautifully with cornbread, as the sweetness complements the chili’s flavors.

Variation

You can make several variations of Turkey Pumpkin White Bean Chili based on your tastes. Here are a few ideas:

• Creamy Version: For a creamier texture, stir in some cream or half-and-half right before serving.

• Chili Verde: Instead of using conventional tomatoes, you can replace them with tomatillos, and use green chilies for a fresh flavor.

• Pumpkin Curry Chili: Add coconut milk and curry powder for a unique twist that gives your chili a hint of Asian flavors.

• Substitute Meat: Ground chicken or beef can be swapped in for turkey. You can even use shredded rotisserie chicken for a quicker and simpler option.

FAQs

Can I make Turkey Pumpkin White Bean Chili ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, many people find that chili tastes even better the next day. You can prepare it a day in advance and simply reheat it when ready to serve.

Is Turkey Pumpkin White Bean Chili healthy?

Yes! This chili is loaded with lean protein from the turkey and fiber from the beans and pumpkin. It is also low in fat compared to traditional beef chili, making it a healthier option for a hearty meal.

Can I freeze the chili?

Yes! Turkey Pumpkin White Bean Chili freezes well. Store it in airtight containers or freezer bags, and it should maintain its quality for up to 3 months.

How can I make this dish spicier?

If you love spice, you can increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add diced jalapeños or hot sauce. Alternatively, try serving it with spicy salsa on the side.

What can I pair with Turkey Pumpkin White Bean Chili?

This chili pairs well with toppings like sour cream, cheese, and fresh cilantro. For sides, consider serving it with cornbread, tortilla chips, or a simple salad.

With its delicious blend of flavors and hearty ingredients, Turkey Pumpkin White Bean Chili is sure to become a favorite in your home. Enjoy making this comforting dish and don’t forget to share it with family and friends!

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