1medium yelloworange or red bell pepper, finely chopped
4clovesgarlicminced or finely grated
2poundsground dark meat turkey or lean5% ground beef, grass-fed if possible
16-oz can tomato paste
1teaspooncumin
1teaspoonmild chili powder
1teaspoonsmoked paprika
2teaspoonskosher salt
3cupspumpkin pureenot pumpkin pie filling
1tablespoonfresh lime juice
Chopped scallion and cilantro for servingoptional
Instructions
Add the onion, pepper, garlic, meat, tomato paste, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon salt, and 2 cups pumpkin puree (from about 1 [15-oz] can) to a 6-quart slow cooker, stirring until well combined.
Cover and cook on high for 4-6 hours or low for 6-8, or until the onions are very soft and the meat is cooked through.
Uncover, add 1 additional cup pumpkin, 1 teaspoon salt, and lime juice, stirring to combine. Taste and add more salt or lime juice if necessary. Serve with scallion and cilantro if you like.
Notes
Top with grated cheese and sour cream if dairy if part of your family's diet.Encourage each member of your family to customize his or her bowl of chili with whatever toppings he or she prefers.Ground turkey or ground beef both work in this recipe. If using beef, be sure to look for a lean (5% fat) option to keep the chili from getting greasy.