Healthy Turkey Pumpkin Chili

This post previously appeared in Philly.com in a February 2016 Winter Comfort Foods Article I wrote for them:

Kelly’s Pumpkin Turkey Chili 

Nothing says winter like a nice bowl of chili, though the usual fare is robust in saturated fat and sodium. This version, though not your classic bowl, is definitely a great dinner option. Pumpkin is a staple I keep in my pantry at all times as an easy way to add a creamy texture to recipes without cream. It adds a subtle sweetness to recipes tons of Vitamin A and fiber! I recommend serving it over barley or farro with more veggies topped off with plain yogurt for a very well-balanced meal. 

Ingredients: 
1 tbsp olive oil  
1 c onion, chopped
1 c mixed bell peppers, chopped
1 c vegetable of choice (chopped broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, etc)
1 – 4oz can green chilis 1 large garlic clove, minced
1 pound (16 oz) 99% extra lean ground turkey
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, reduced sodium
1 can red kidney beans (no salt added if available)
1 (14.5 oz) can 100% pure pumpkin
1 ½ tbsp chili powder
½ tbsp cumin
½ tsp salt (can add more to taste at end)
½ tsp black pepper
Cayenne pepper – to taste
Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, 0% plain Greek yogurt, 2% shredded cheese 

Directions: 
1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. 
2. Sauté the Bell peppers, vegetables of choice, green chilies, and garlic until tender, about 10 minutes. Push veggies to side of pan and add turkey. Cook turkey until brown, about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in tomatoes, beans, and pumpkin. Then add rest of seasonings and more salt if needed.  Reduce and simmer for at least 25 minutes. 
3. Top and enjoy! 


Nutritional Value per serving (1/6 recipe): 255 calories, 4.5 g fat, 419 mg sodium, 30 g carb (11 g fiber!), 27 g protein [Analysis using Diet Master Pro] *analysis using chopped broccoli and no-salt added canned tomatoes and beans 

Picture source: https://www.weightwatchers.com/images/1033/dynamic/foodandrecipes/2010/08/HeartyTurkeyChili_xl.jpg