Savory Pumpkin Turkey and White Bean Chili
Warm up this fall with a hearty bowl of Savory Pumpkin Turkey and White Bean Chili! This delightful dish combines lean ground turkey with creamy pumpkin puree and a medley of beans, resulting in a robust meal that's packed with flavor. The blend of spices, including cumin and chili powder, adds a kick, while the optional toppings of sour cream, cilantro, and chives bring a fresh finish. Perfect for meal prep or cozy nights at home, this chili is as nutritious as it is delicious! Enjoy it with your favorite toppings and feel good about what you're serving on the table. Get ready to share this crowd-pleaser with family and friends!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
21
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cooking spray
as needed (for greasing the crock pot)
Lean ground turkey
2 lbs (raw, crumbled)
Olive oil
1/2 teaspoon (for sautéing)
Onion
1 small (chopped)
Garlic cloves
3 (minced)
Chili powder
1 teaspoon (to taste)
Bay leaves
2 (whole)
Cumin
2 teaspoons (ground)
Oregano
1 teaspoon (dried)
Navy beans
2 cans (15 ounces each) (rinsed and drained)
Pumpkin puree
15 ounces (not pumpkin pie filling)
Canned chopped green chili peppers
4.5 ounces (optional, if available)
Fat-free low-sodium chicken broth
2 cups (liquid)
Fat-free sour cream or Greek yogurt
for topping (optional)
Chopped cilantro
for topping (optional)
Chives
for topping (optional)
Salt
to taste
Pepper
to taste
Celery
1 stalk (chopped (optional))
Tomatoes
1 large or 15 oz can of stewed tomatoes (optional)
Flax seeds
2 tablespoons (optional)
Instructions
1
Start by spraying the inside of your crock pot with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2
In a skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil and sauté the chopped onion until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4
Transfer the sautéed onion and garlic into the crock pot.
5
Add the lean ground turkey to the crock pot and use a spoon to break it up into smaller pieces.
6
Include the chili powder, bay leaves, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until the turkey is well-coated with spices.
7
Now, add the rinsed and drained navy beans (as well as kidney beans or pigeon peas if using), pumpkin puree, green chili peppers (if available), chicken broth, celery, tomatoes, and flax seeds into the crock pot.
8
Stir all the ingredients until evenly combined.
9
Cover the crock pot and set it to cook on low for 8 hours.
10
Once cooking is completed, remove the bay leaves, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, and serve warm.
11
Top individual servings with a dollop of fat-free sour cream or Greek yogurt, and sprinkle with chopped cilantro and chives for added freshness.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Pumpkin Turkey and White Bean Chili?
It is a hearty fall-inspired dish that combines lean ground turkey with pumpkin puree, navy beans, and a blend of aromatic spices.
Can I cook this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes, this recipe is specifically designed to be prepared in a crock pot or slow cooker.
What kind of pumpkin should I use?
You should use 15 ounces of pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling which contains added sugar and spices.
What type of turkey is best for this chili?
Lean ground turkey is recommended for this recipe to keep the dish nutritious and flavorful.
Which beans are used in this chili?
The recipe primarily calls for two 15-ounce cans of navy beans, rinsed and drained.
Can I substitute navy beans with other types?
Yes, you can use kidney beans or pigeon peas as substitutes or additions to the navy beans.
How long does the chili need to cook?
The chili should be cooked on the low setting of your crock pot for 8 hours.
Do I need to sauté the onions before adding them to the crock pot?
Yes, sauté the chopped onion in olive oil for 3-4 minutes until translucent before adding them to the pot.
How do I prepare the garlic?
Mince 3 garlic cloves and sauté them with the onions for an additional 1-2 minutes until they become fragrant.
Is the chicken broth supposed to be low-sodium?
The recipe suggests using fat-free, low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt content.
What is the purpose of adding flax seeds?
Flax seeds are an optional addition that provides a nutritional boost and a bit of extra texture.
Are green chili peppers required?
No, canned chopped green chili peppers are optional and can be added if you prefer extra heat.
What kind of tomatoes can I use?
You can use one large fresh tomato or a 15-ounce can of stewed tomatoes.
How do I prevent the ingredients from sticking to the crock pot?
Spray the inside of your crock pot with cooking spray before adding any ingredients.
What spices are used to flavor this chili?
The flavor comes from a blend of chili powder, cumin, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
Can I use Greek yogurt as a topping?
Yes, fat-free Greek yogurt is a great healthy alternative to sour cream for topping the chili.
When should I remove the bay leaves?
The two bay leaves should be removed after the 8-hour cooking period is complete, just before serving.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes, this hearty chili is perfect for meal prep as it tastes great when reheated.
How do I break up the ground turkey?
Add the raw turkey to the crock pot and use a spoon to break it into smaller pieces so it cooks evenly.
What fresh herbs are recommended for garnishing?
Chopped cilantro and chives are recommended to add a fresh finish to each serving.
Is celery a necessary ingredient?
No, one chopped stalk of celery is an optional addition for extra flavor and texture.
Can I adjust the seasoning after cooking?
Yes, once cooking is finished, you should taste the chili and adjust the salt and pepper if necessary.
What if I want a thinner chili?
You can add a bit more chicken broth if you prefer a less thick consistency.
How much garlic does the recipe call for?
The recipe requires 3 minced garlic cloves.
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree?
Yes, as long as the fresh pumpkin is cooked and pureed to a smooth consistency before adding.
Is this a seasonal fall recipe?
While it can be enjoyed year-round, the use of pumpkin makes it an ideal cozy dish for the fall season.
What is the total sauté time for the aromatics?
The onions and garlic together take about 5-6 minutes of sautéing time.
Should the turkey be cooked before going into the crock pot?
The instructions indicate adding raw, crumbled turkey directly to the crock pot with the sautéed aromatics.
Is this recipe high in fiber?
Yes, the combination of navy beans and pumpkin puree provides a significant amount of dietary fiber.
How do I serve the chili?
Serve it warm in bowls topped with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of cilantro and chives.