November 18, 2013

Mexican Pumpkin Chicken Chili

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Need an easy, healthy, and flavor packed soup recipe that's ready in less than 30 minutes?  You'll love this chili then! 

This has been on my fall baking bucket list forever - and now I can cross it off! 

I'd never had pumpkin in something savory, and although there isn't the traditional dessert pumpkin flavor in the chili (obviously!) I'm hooked and am definitely putting this recipe in the keeper file. I saw this in the Taste of Home magazine and immediately wanted to try it. Once again, thank you Anna!  Your gift has made my day every time the magazine arrives. I have several more savory dishes I can't wait to try. This month's issue has a crab rangoon dip that looks incredible and then an entire section devoted to award winning pies.  Drool.

Oops. I digress:)


I'm loving soups right now. Many families have brought us meals and I get so excited when they bring soup (or casseroles!)  Soups are my favorite cold weather dishes and getting to have the leftovers has been amazing.  When soups were new cooking territory, I made sure to measure everything out just right, etc. Now I realize soups are super forgiving and easy to adjust. This chili got many of the leftovers from our fridge, which I just tossed in the pot and heated through. It's finished in less than 30 minutes!



It's spicy and warm and full of beans and tomatoes and chicken.  The pumpkin purée thickens up the broth and gives color without affecting the flavor.  This is savory all the way!  



If you know me, then you'll know this is right up my alley. Mexican Pumpkin Chicken Chili. What is not to love? 

If you also know me, I'm pretty game to trying new things.  You never know until you try it and you'll probably make some great memories along the way. However, sometimes, new things aren't all laughing and memories. You know that feeling you get when you are getting ready to do something totally outside your comfort zone?  Like, not the putting-pumpkin-in-soup new, but butterfly-in-your-stomach new.  The "I'm not sure what I got into" new. It's scary.  I had that feeling yesterday. 

But, isn't it always the things like that, that are most rewarding in the end?  The things we know will stretch and challenge us and maybe humble us - are also the things that will make us better and stronger.  Sometimes, we all need butterflies in our stomach. Sometimes, we all need a kick to our pride.  I have to let the fear of being stretched fall short of the thrill of being stretched.  I always get that feeling when I feel unprepared or unqualified. Should that stop me?  Or challenge me? It's incredibly important to be realistic about our gifts and limitations, but it's also important to not sell ourselves short. I have to remind myself, I will never achieve anything by playing it safe (ie protecting my vanity; ie "what will people think of me?") and saying no.  I can achieve many things by simply giving my best.  Not just trying new things, but giving them all I've got. It's okay if I don't qualify. Or if I mess up. Or if I say something dumb. What matters is that I didn't let irrational fear get in the way of enjoying life. 




Mexican Pumpkin Chicken Chili
Recipe Source: Adapted from Taste of Home
Yield: 6-8 servings

1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 onion, chopped
2 teaspoons minced garlic
2 cups chicken broth
scant 1 cup pumpkin purée 
1 teaspoon parsley flakes
1/4-1/2 teaspoon chipotle chili powder (depends on how spicy you like your soup. I used 1/2 teaspoon, and it was spicy, but I like spicier foods.  For kids, I would start with 1/8 teaspoon and taste.)
3/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup milk
1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes
1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup chopped cooked chicken breast

For garnish: sour cream and guacamole

In a skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic; cook and stir until tender. Transfer to a large pot; whisk in the pumpkin puree. Stir in the remaining ingredients. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through, stirring frequently. 

Need some pumpkin for dessert?

Pumpkin Pie Fudge Cups



One Bowl Coffee Nut White Chocolate Pumpkin Bread



Pumpkin Dump Cake



30 comments:

  1. What a great idea!! Pumpkin chili?? YUM!! Very Fall-esk :)

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  2. I have been craving soup and chili like crazy lately. Love all of the flavors in this one- sounds like it was made for me!

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  3. Pumpkin chili sounds amazing! I definitely need to try more savory dishes with pumpkin, thanks for the idea ;D

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    1. Wish I could take credit for the idea ... I can spend hours looking through cooking magazines! Thanks Consuelo!

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  4. Chili with pumpkin? Was this your idea? :) :) Sounds like you! I love how you keep branching out and trying new, delicious looking things! And the pictures are beautiful... soup has never looked so appetizing! Great post. Loved your insightful thoughts on fear, too. Your blog keeps getting better (and I didn't think that was possible!).

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    1. I wish! No, thanks to Taste of Home:) Aw, thank you Hannah! You make some mean soups, so that means a lot. Hugs!

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  5. I REALLY love the sound of this chili! I'm pinning it -- I'm a huge chili fan and I can never have enough recipes. :)

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    1. I'm a huge chili fan, too! Thank you for sharing!

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  6. This would be perfect for one of my hosted "Taco Tuesday" night! Looks awesome! :)
    www.prettybitchescancooktoo.com

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  7. This is an awesome dinner recipe, can't wait to enjoy it! We love Chili, but especially love this pumpkin vibe!

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    1. Thanks Pamela! You're pretty much the queen of Mexican food, so that means a lot:)

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  8. Wow, pumpkin chili? I would never have put those two together but now that I see the soup and hear your thoughts it sounds incredible!!

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    1. Haha, yes, I'm good at that:) Not as bad as Rebek though ... she dipped her pizza in chocolate! :) Thank you Chloe! Hugs!

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  9. This looks absolutely delicious Mary Frances! Pumpkin in chili is a great thing - unexpected in a good way. Hope you're having a good week! (Whatever happened I'm glad you're OK!)

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    1. Aw thanks Reeni! It went great, thank you for asking!

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  10. I've made pumpkin chili once before, but your version looks even better than the one I made! Perfect for fall.

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    1. I bet it was delicious - chili is always a winner! Thanks for commenting Laura!

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  11. I love pumpkin in a savory context very much. It's the only way I knew how to cook pumpkin before I started baking! I love this chilli and all its heartiness. I also love it's potential to be spicy and perfect on a cold day. By the way, isn't a magazine subscription the best gift? It's the never ending present!! I love it.

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    1. Truth on the magazine subscription! I just love getting them!
      I think that is so neat that you grew up with savory pumpkin recipes. This is the first I've ever tried:) Pumpkin is so versatile, as are chilis. Thank you Zainab!

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  12. Oh my...this Mexican Pumpkin Chicken Chili looks scrumptious and comforting. Can't wait to give this a try.

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  13. That last paragraph on not fearing anything and giving things in life a try made me smile! :) Everything you said, IS SO TRUE! :) And this chili is delicious! I love pumpkin in savory form {that's the only form I've eaten my pumpkin since I was young actually! } :P :) Its just nice, warm and cosy! Yum

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    1. I wish I had been able to try pumpkin in savory form before! It's not very American though:) Thank you for your kind words!

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  14. I'm totally obsessed with quick and healthy soups right now and this looks so delicious! We love Mexcian cuisine so this looks like a perfect soup. :)
    Tina at www.tinaschic.com

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    1. I am jumping on the healthy soup bandwagon, too. And I cannot get enough Mexican either!

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