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As the leaves turn vibrant shades of red and gold, the arrival of fall beckons us to embrace the comforting rituals of the season, particularly through cooking. Seasonal recipes not only celebrate the bounty of the harvest but also offer a delightful way to nourish our bodies and souls as the temperatures begin to drop. One such dish that epitomizes the essence of autumn is the Autumn Harvest Chili. This hearty, warming recipe is perfect for cozy evenings, family gatherings, or meal prep for the week ahead.

Autumn Chili

As the leaves change colors and the air turns crisp, it's time to warm up with a delicious Autumn Harvest Chili. This hearty recipe combines seasonal ingredients like pumpkin and a medley of beans, resulting in a nutritious and comforting dish perfect for chilly evenings. Packed with aromatic vegetables and a blend of spices, this recipe invites customization to suit your taste. Serve it with your favorite toppings for a cozy meal that celebrates the essence of fall!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb ground turkey or beef

1 medium onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 carrots, diced

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree

1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed

1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed

1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, with their juices

2 cups vegetable or chicken broth

1-2 tbsp chili powder (adjust to taste)

1 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp smoked paprika

½ tsp ground cinnamon

Salt and pepper, to taste

1 tablespoon olive oil

Optional toppings: sour cream, shredded cheese, chopped green onions, fresh cilantro

Instructions
 

Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.

    Brown the Meat: Increase the heat slightly and add the ground turkey or beef to the pot. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, using a spoon to break it apart as it browns evenly.

      Incorporate More Veggies: Add the diced carrots and red bell pepper to the pot. Stir well and cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften slightly.

        Mix in the Base Ingredients: Pour in the pumpkin puree, drained black beans, drained kidney beans, diced tomatoes with their juices, and the broth. Stir everything together until fully combined.

          Add the Spices: Sprinkle in the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and ground cinnamon. Stir to distribute the spices evenly, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

            Simmer to Perfect the Flavor: Lower the heat and let the chili simmer uncovered for at least 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. For a thicker chili, you can extend the simmering time to allow more moisture to evaporate.

              Taste and Adjust Seasoning: After simmering, taste the chili and adjust the flavors as needed. Add more chili powder or salt according to your preference for heat and seasoning.

                Serve and Garnish: Ladle the chili into bowls and enhance with your favorite toppings such as a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of shredded cheese, chopped green onions, or fresh cilantro for added freshness.

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 1 hour | 6 servings

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve in rustic bowls to enhance the autumn vibe, and consider pairing with crusty bread for a complete meal experience.