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Cozy Black Bean Pumpkin Chili: The Best Easy Fall Recipe

black bean pumpkin chili - featured image

This cozy black bean pumpkin chili is a quick, easy, and delicious fall recipe that comes together in under 45 minutes. It’s perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 2 cans (15 oz each) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
  • 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • Lime wedges (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Sauté the aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 5-6 minutes until translucent and starting to brown. Add minced garlic and diced red bell pepper, cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
  2. Toast the spices: Add cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, cinnamon, and cayenne (if using). Stir constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add the liquids and beans: Pour in diced tomatoes with juices, pumpkin puree, and vegetable broth. Stir until pumpkin is fully incorporated. Add drained and rinsed black beans.
  4. Simmer the chili: Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add more broth if too thick.
  5. Season and finish: Stir in maple syrup. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed (start with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper).
  6. Rest and serve: Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes. Ladle into bowls and top with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice.

Notes

For best flavor, let the chili rest for 5 minutes before serving. The flavors develop even more overnight. To thicken, simmer uncovered longer or mash some beans against the pot. For a meatier version, brown 1 pound ground turkey or beef before sautéing onions.

Nutrition

Keywords: black bean pumpkin chili, easy fall recipe, vegetarian chili, vegan chili, quick chili, cozy chili