
Pumpkin has got to be one of my top reasons for loving fall. I typically stick with pumpkin in sweet treats, like my chocolate chip pumpkin muffins, but today I put it in a savoury, spicy chili.
I like chili, but I’ve never had a chili that really blew me away. The hint of pumpkin in the background of this chili is the perfect way to add an exciting dimension to the meal.

Pumpkin Chili (adapted from AllRecipes.com)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 cup chopped red bell peppers
1 clove garlic
28 oz can canned crushed tomatoes
1 can pure pumpkin
1 can canned tomato sauce
1 can canned kidney beans, drained
1 can black beans
1 can chickpeas
2 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
teaspoon salt
ground black pepper

- HEAT vegetable oil in large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onion, bell pepper and garlic; cook, stirring frequently, for 5 to 7 minutes or until tender.
- ADD tomatoes with juice, pumpkin, tomato sauce, beans, chiles, chili powder, cumin, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low. Cover; cook, stirring occasionally, for 30 minutes.
Towards the end, I tasted the chili and decided I need more spices, so I threw in a bit of cinnamon, and lots more chili powder to spice it up. I like the heat!

I hope you try it and love it! While you’re waiting for your chili to simmer, why don’t you take a look at the article I wrote yesterday about the Pit Bull Awareness Day in New Haven? Pit Bulls unfairly have a bad reputation and animal lovers from across the state gathered yesterday to smash that made rep!
A different breed of pumpkin, but just as great!





29 responses so far ↓
Chris // October 25, 2009 at 3:41 pm |
So.. I love pumpkin dogs.
rebecca lustig // October 25, 2009 at 3:57 pm |
Hey girl!
I’ve been reading your tasteful blog, and I am inspired. This week I’m going to try your pumpkin chili recipe, it sounds delicious.
Hope you have a fabulous day, beautiful!
<3 Rebecca
Sal // October 25, 2009 at 4:10 pm |
awesome, that sounds ace. cute pup too.
Shelby // October 25, 2009 at 4:49 pm |
I’ve owned 2 pitbulls and they were both absolute sweethearts! One was even scared of our hardwood floors!
VeggieGirl // October 25, 2009 at 4:49 pm |
I swear that’s the same costume I bought for Chooey, haha
maya // October 25, 2009 at 5:43 pm |
ahh such a cute outfit on the pup
and that chili looks not only so goood and sounds so good but sounds pretty easy to make! putting on my to-make- list hehe
xo
maya
Emily // October 25, 2009 at 5:53 pm |
ooh, that chili sounds perfect.
what a beautiful dog! so regal despite being dressed as a squash
Marianne // October 25, 2009 at 6:00 pm |
I’m like you – chili is okay, but never blows me away. I’ve made one from ED&BV that is quite good, probably because it also contains coconut and cocoa. I think I’ll have to try out a pumpkin one, since I’m all about the untraditional chili.
Charlote // October 25, 2009 at 6:00 pm |
Thanks for supporting pitpulls! They are my favorite breed of dog– loyal, beautiful, intelligent and sweet. There are so many terrible myths about them.
Pumpkin chili looks great!
janetha // October 25, 2009 at 7:12 pm |
what a fantastic autumn recipe!! yum. and love the pit bull pumpkin
Lauren // October 25, 2009 at 7:46 pm |
That chili sounds delicious!!
Your pup is so adorable!! My dog hates her costume (a turtle)!
Kiersten // October 25, 2009 at 8:52 pm |
I can’t wait to try this recipe! I love pumpkin too, in sweet and savory things. I haven’t tried it in chili yet, but I’ve added it to soups and had great results.
Rebeca // October 25, 2009 at 9:51 pm |
Mmm this sounds delicious! Like jump up and down and break out a pot at 10pm delicious!
The Candid RD // October 25, 2009 at 10:45 pm |
I just make pumpkin, oatmeal, walnut cookies. I made half a batch because I was not sure they would turn out. They did!
The chili sounds amazing. I want to make this. The pumpkin festival in Columbus sold pumpkin chili and they just added chunks of pumpkin. I thought that was weird! I like the idea of using the puree.
broccolihut // October 25, 2009 at 11:23 pm |
I am a huge fan of pumpkin chili–I like mine with bulghur in it and topped with pumpkin seed butter:)
Karina Pinzon // October 25, 2009 at 11:31 pm |
Love the pumpkin dog
I have never tried pumpkin chili, your recipe is going to be used for my first taste!
Looks very delicious.
devan // October 26, 2009 at 1:54 am |
delish
I just book marked this page.. I have been looking for a pumpkin chili recipe
The voracious Vegan // October 26, 2009 at 2:42 am |
Wow! I love to bake with pumpkin so much but I would have never thought to put it in chili, thanks for the idea.
Awww love that sweet pit picture! One of our dogs is part pit bull and he is just a smushy love muffin, hearing the way they are treated and how people think they are all vicious is just heartbreaking. Good for you for raising awareness!
Lauren O // October 26, 2009 at 4:59 am |
aww pumpkin puppy
prettytimepiece // October 26, 2009 at 10:05 am |
i LOVE chili & i’m totally intrigued by ‘pumpkin’ chili?! thanks for the recipe
♥ http://www.prettytimepiece.wordpress.com
Nic // October 26, 2009 at 10:21 am |
Hei Nicole!!
Thanks so much for your comment!!
This Chili looks really good!! And even though I’m not a bit “hot” fan, I might have to try this one with my leftover pumpkin!!! Thanks for the recipe!!
Have a good day!! Hug n.
Likin’ Pumpkin « Vanilla Swirl's Blog // October 26, 2009 at 2:06 pm |
[...] shall keep my pumpkin to make ‘Pumpkin Apple Raisin’ Oatmeal or Nicole’s Pumpkin chili, that I have yet to [...]
Michal // October 26, 2009 at 4:40 pm |
looks delicious! i have yet to get aboard the pumpkin wagon yet this season.
Amy // October 26, 2009 at 9:32 pm |
Beautiful recipe and photos as well! The chili sounds perfect for a cold, autumn evening. Warming and comforting..love it
Pumpkin is the best ingredient.
mihl // October 30, 2009 at 4:08 am |
I was planning to make a boring pumpkin soup with the huge chunk of pumpkin I have. But I just changed my plans. I am a total savory pumpkin person. Thank you for the recipe.
Curried Pumpkin Soup with White Wine and Seitan « seitan is my motor // November 6, 2009 at 6:44 am |
[...] If you have leftover pumpkin, you can use it to make Nicole’s pumpkin chili: [...]
Kiersten // December 8, 2009 at 5:04 pm |
I made your recipe last night Nicole. Everyone here loved it! This one is definitely a keeper!
Nicole // December 8, 2009 at 5:36 pm |
I am so glad that you liked it!
Jamie // December 9, 2009 at 1:02 am |
The chili looks wonderful, and your dog is ADORABLE. I love pitbulls, they’re just so adorable and sweet.