Hearty Vegetarian Pumpkin Chili Recipe for Cozy Nights

Chilly autumn evenings call for a hearty vegetarian pumpkin chili recipe that warms both body and soul.

Packed with robust flavors and nutritious ingredients, this dish brings comfort to your dinner table.

The combination of tender vegetables, smoky spices, and creamy pumpkin creates a rich, satisfying meal.

Each spoonful delivers a perfect balance of heat and sweetness that will delight your taste buds.

Protein-rich beans and seasonal pumpkin make this chili a nutritional powerhouse.

Vibrant and colorful, this plant-based chili proves that meatless meals can be incredibly delicious and filling.

Dive into this cozy recipe and let the magic of autumn unfold on your plate.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 200 kcal

Servings: 7

Key Ingredients for Vegetarian Pumpkin Chili

• Onion: Adds sweet, foundational flavor that forms the backbone of the chili's depth.
• Green Bell Pepper: Provides crisp texture and mild vegetable sweetness.
• Red Bell Pepper: Introduces vibrant color and subtle fruity undertones.
• Jalapeño: Delivers gentle heat and zesty pepper complexity.
• Garlic: Infuses intense, pungent flavor that elevates the entire dish.

• Pinto Beans: Creamy texture and earthy protein boost.
• Kidney Beans: Rich, meaty texture with robust bean flavor.
• Black Beans: Dense protein source with smooth, velvety consistency.
• Sweet Potato: Adds natural sweetness and substantial, satisfying texture.

• Olive Oil: Creates silky cooking foundation with subtle fruity notes.
• Vegetable Broth: Provides liquid depth and enhances overall seasoning.
• Petite Diced Tomatoes: Brings bright acidity and chunky texture.
• Pumpkin Puree: Adds creamy thickness and subtle autumn warmth.
• Cinnamon: Introduces warm, slightly sweet background note.
• Cumin: Delivers earthy, smoky undertone.
• Chili Powder: Contributes classic spicy-sweet pepper complexity.
• Onion Powder: Reinforces savory depth.
• Salt: Balances and amplifies all flavor profiles.
• Black Pepper: Adds gentle, warming heat.

Tools You’ll Need for Vegetarian Pumpkin Chili

• 5-Quart Pot or Dutch Oven: Large, deep cooking vessel perfect for simmering chili and mixing ingredients evenly.
• Sharp Knife: Essential for chopping onions, bell peppers, jalapeño, and other vegetables with precision.
• Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for safely preparing and chopping ingredients.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and mixing chili ingredients without scratching the pot.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps add precise amounts of spices like salt, cumin, and chili powder.
• Can Opener: Needed for opening canned tomatoes and beans.
• Ladle: Convenient for serving chili into individual bowls.

Step-by-Step Vegetarian Pumpkin Chili Guide

• Veggie Prep

Grab a big pot and warm some olive oil. Toss in colorful bell peppers, onions, and a spicy jalapeño. Let them dance and soften for a few minutes, creating a vibrant base for your chili.

• Spice Symphony

Sprinkle in a magical blend of garlic and warm spices. Watch as the kitchen fills with an incredible aroma that promises deliciousness ahead. The spices will mingle and create a rich foundation.

• Liquid Magic

Pour in vegetable broth, chunky tomatoes, and an array of hearty beans. Add creamy pumpkin and sweet potato for unexpected depth and texture. These ingredients will transform into a comforting meal.

• Simmering Journey

Cover the pot and let everything bubble gently. During this time, flavors will merge and develop, creating a thick, satisfying chili. Occasional stirring helps prevent sticking and ensures even cooking.

• Flavor Finish

Serve your creation in warm bowls. Customize with fresh toppings like crisp cilantro, zesty red onions, or creamy avocado slices. Each spoonful promises a burst of autumn-inspired warmth and comfort.

Vegetarian Pumpkin Chili Tips for Flavor Boost

• Adjust the heat level by removing jalapeño seeds or adding extra chili powder for those who love bold flavors. Experiment with different pepper varieties to customize the spiciness.
• Replace any beans with your favorite varieties like cannellini, great northern, or black-eyed peas. Canned or freshly cooked beans work perfectly in this flexible recipe.
• Enhance the protein content by stirring in quinoa, tempeh crumbles, or plant-based meat alternatives during the simmering stage. These additions create a heartier, more filling chili.
• Prepare the chili in advance and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors continue to develop, making it even more delicious the next day. Freeze portions for quick future meals.
• Get creative with garnishes like roasted pumpkin seeds, nutritional yeast, vegan sour cream, or a drizzle of hot sauce. Mix and match toppings to make each bowl unique and exciting.

How to Serve Vegetarian Pumpkin Chili Comfortably

• Cozy Autumn Dinner Companion: Pair this hearty vegetarian pumpkin chili with warm cornbread or fluffy buttermilk biscuits to soak up the rich, spicy flavors.
• Toppings Fiesta: Sprinkle crumbled queso fresco, dollop Greek yogurt, or add crispy tortilla strips for extra texture and a burst of fresh flavors that complement the chili's warm spices.
• Game Day Crowd-Pleaser: Serve in individual bread bowls or alongside tortilla chips for a communal, interactive meal that's perfect for watching sports or hosting friends during chilly weekends.
• Nutrient-Packed Lunch Option: Pack in meal prep containers for a filling workday lunch that keeps you satisfied, with the protein-rich beans and vibrant vegetables providing sustained energy throughout the afternoon.

Saving Vegetarian Pumpkin Chili for Later

• Chili Meal Companions: Serve alongside warm cornbread, fluffy brown rice, or crispy tortilla chips for a complete and satisfying meal experience.
• Refrigerator Revival: Store leftover chili in airtight containers for up to 5 days, allowing flavors to deepen and intensify with each passing day. Gently reheat on stovetop with a splash of vegetable broth to maintain moisture.
• Freezer-Friendly Champion: Portion chili into freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months, making meal prep a breeze for busy weeks ahead.
• Flavor Boost Technique: Before serving stored chili, consider adding fresh toppings like chopped cilantro, diced red onions, or a dollop of dairy-free yogurt to refresh the taste and add vibrant textures.

Hearty Vegetarian Pumpkin Chili Recipe

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4.5 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hearty vegetarian pumpkin chili combines robust flavors from seasonal ingredients, creating a comforting meal perfect for chilly evenings. Nutritious beans, aromatic spices, and creamy pumpkin blend seamlessly, inviting you to savor each warming spoonful.

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Ingredients

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• 2 tbsps (30 ml) olive oil
• 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree
• 1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced (about 1 heaping cup)
• 3 (14 oz) cans petite diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• ½ (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
• 2 cups (480 ml) vegetable broth
• 1 cup chopped yellow onion (about ½ of a large onion)
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 small jalapeño, minced (remove seeds and ribs for less heat)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 ½ teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Chopped cilantro (optional)
• Chopped red onion (optional)
• Sliced avocado (optional)

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Instructions

1. Sauté Base: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium flame, adding onions, bell peppers, and jalapeño. Sizzle until vegetables soften and release their aromatic essence, approximately 5 minutes.
2. Spice Infusion: Introduce minced garlic and spice blend (salt, black pepper, cinnamon, cumin, chili powder, onion powder), stirring vigorously to distribute flavors evenly and create a robust aromatic foundation.
3. Liquid Development: Pour vegetable broth and diced tomatoes into the pot, creating a rich liquid base for the chili. Integrate pinto, kidney, and black beans, stirring to combine thoroughly.
4. Texture Enhancement: Fold in pumpkin puree and diced sweet potato, transforming the mixture into a hearty, velvety chili. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching and ensure uniform cooking.
5. Finishing Touch: Once sweet potatoes reach tender perfection and flavors have melded completely, remove from heat. Serve in bowls, offering optional garnishes like fresh cilantro, crisp red onion, or creamy avocado slices to elevate the dining experience.

Notes

• Spice Balance Matters: Adjust spices gradually, tasting as you go to create a perfectly balanced flavor profile without overwhelming heat.
• Potato Cooking Tip: Dice sweet potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the chili.
• Bean Variety Power: Mix different beans for complex texture and enhanced nutritional value, adding depth to the vegetarian dish.
• Simmer Slowly: Allow ample time for ingredients to meld, developing rich, layered flavors that make this chili truly memorable.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg