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Cozy Pumpkin Chili: Best Easy 30-Minute Fall Recipe

Cozy Pumpkin Chili - featured image

A quick, comforting, and plant-based chili made with pumpkin puree, black beans, and corn. This recipe delivers a rich, velvety texture and balanced flavors in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree (100% pure, not pie filling)
  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
  • 1 cup vegetable broth (low-sodium)
  • 2 cans (15 oz each) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) corn or 1 cup frozen corn
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and a pinch of salt; cook until translucent and soft (4-5 minutes).
  2. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown it.
  3. Add cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Stir constantly for 30-60 seconds to bloom the spices.
  4. Pour in pumpkin puree, tomato sauce, and vegetable broth. Stir well to combine with the spice mixture.
  5. Add drained black beans and corn. Stir to combine and taste the liquid; adjust seasoning if needed.
  6. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes, until the chili thickens.
  7. Remove from heat and stir in apple cider vinegar. Taste and adjust salt if necessary.
  8. Serve hot with desired toppings such as cheese, sour cream, cilantro, or avocado.

Notes

Do not use pumpkin pie filling; ensure you use 100% pure pumpkin puree. For a thicker chili, simmer longer; for a thinner consistency, add more broth. The flavors improve after sitting for a day. This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but check chili powder labels for fillers.

Nutrition

Keywords: pumpkin chili, vegan chili, fall recipes, easy dinner, comfort food, plant-based, black bean chili, quick meals