Chipotle Pumpkin Chili

ByCatherine Perez October 4, 2020January 13, 2021 Updated onJanuary 13, 2021

Chipotle pumpkin chili, a chili balanced with pumpkin and a touch of sweet and heat. Hearty, protein packed, and great for leftovers.

As soon as the fall comes, I just wrap myself in warm things and pray for summer to come quickly. The colder months are not all bad though considering that it typically means I can enjoy things like chili and hearty stews regularly. Chilis happen to be one of my favorite warming foods, and this chipotle pumpkin chili hits the spot. The chipotle peppers give this chili a nice kick and pairs super well with the pumpkin added to this. Fall just isn’t the same without someone throwing pumpkin into something after all.

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What makes pumpkin special?

It’s only the beginning of fall and I’m sure you might be someone that either loves or hates pumpkin right about now. And since this recipe does use pumpkin puree thought I would highlight why I wanted to add it in. Objectively, the slightly sweet pumpkin helps to balance out the rich tomato base that chili has. On top of that, it also happens to be loaded with a lot of great nutrients as well. Here’s just a few of those amazing nutrients right here:

Carotenoids like beta carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin (these are especially helpful for overall eye health)
Vitamin C
Fiber
Potassium
Magnesium

How to make chipotle pumpkin chili

In a large pot, add onion and sauté until softened.
Add in diced chipotle peppers, and sauté for 1-2 minutes.
Fold in chili powder and cinnamon and cook for an additional minute then stir in salsa.
To the pot, add pumpkin, beans, and walnuts. Stir well to combine and allow to cook for about 3-4 minutes over medium heat.
Add in apple juice and broth, stir well and then bring to a boil.
Reduce heat to a low simmer, cover pot with a lid and allow to cook for about 25-30 minutes, making sure to stir occasionally.
Remove chili from the stove top and adjust seasoning to taste. Serve as desired. This chili tastes even better as leftovers.

Tips for making chipotle pumpkin chili

Texture really makes a difference with vegetarian chili. The walnuts help add more texture to your chili. To help it get to the right texture as it cooks, make sure to dice the walnuts to the same size of minced meat. You can also replace the walnuts with TVP (textured vegetable protein) OR vegan meat alternatives.
Not a fan of spicy? Instead of adding the diced chipotle peppers, feel free to use the sauce itself. Add 2 tablespoons of the adobo sauce in place of the whole peppers with the seeds. Should provide the smoky flavor without as much heat.
The best part about stew and chilis is that they often make for even better leftovers. The flavors continue to develop as the chili sits. Get ready for more flavor when you enjoy this as leftovers.