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Easy Black Bean Pumpkin Chili: Best Unique 30-Minute Recipe

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A quick and easy black bean pumpkin chili that comes together in under 30 minutes. This unique, crowd-pleasing recipe features a creamy pumpkin base, smoky spices, and hearty black beans—perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cans (15 oz each) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
  • 1 cup vegetable broth or chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup or brown sugar (optional)
  • Juice of ½ lime (optional)
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt (for serving)
  • Avocado, diced (for serving)
  • Tortilla chips or shredded cheese (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Prep your ingredients first: dice the onion, mince the garlic, chop the bell pepper, seed and mince the jalapeño, drain and rinse the black beans, and open the cans of pumpkin, diced tomatoes, and broth.
  2. Heat the oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent and softened.
  3. Add the garlic, bell pepper, and jalapeño. Cook for another 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Add the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne, salt, and black pepper. Stir constantly for about 1 minute to toast the spices.
  5. Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Stir to combine.
  6. Add the black beans, pumpkin puree, and broth. Stir until the pumpkin is fully incorporated and the chili is smooth.
  7. Bring the chili to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning. Add lime juice, maple syrup, or additional salt/spice as desired.
  9. Serve hot with your favorite toppings: sour cream, avocado, cilantro, tortilla chips, or shredded cheese.

Notes

Toast the spices for deeper flavor. Don’t skip the lime juice—it brightens the dish. Let the chili rest for 10 minutes before serving for best flavor. For a thicker chili, mash some beans or blend a cup of the chili and stir it back in. Use fire-roasted tomatoes for extra smokiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: black bean pumpkin chili, quick chili, 30-minute chili, vegetarian chili, vegan chili, easy weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://lumalunch.com/easy-black-bean-pumpkin-chili-best-unique-30-minute-recipe/