Cauldron Pumpkin Chili

Ingredients

Tick items off as you go.

• 2 lbs ground beef or turkey
• 1 large onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 2 teaspoons cumin
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 28 oz crushed tomatoes
• 15 oz pumpkin puree
• 2 cans kidney beans, drained
• 2 cups beef or chicken stock
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• Salt and pepper
• Sour cream, pepitas, and cilantro to serve

Instructions

1. Brown the meat hard in a heavy pot and set it aside, leaving the fat behind.
2. Soften the onion, pepper, and garlic in that fat for 6 minutes.
3. Add the dry spices and stir for a full minute until fragrant — this is where the depth comes from.
4. Return the meat and add the tomatoes, pumpkin, beans, stock, and brown sugar.
5. Simmer uncovered 40 minutes, stirring now and then, until thick enough to hold a spoon upright.
6. Season well and serve with sour cream, toasted pepitas, and cilantro.