Black Bean Pumpkin Chili
Black Bean Pumpkin Chili
This hearty black bean pumpkin chili is packed full of flavor. The addition of canned pumpkin adds richness and thickens this wonderful chili. Slightly sweet with a nice kick, black bean pumpkin chili will soon become a fast family favorite. No one will suspect that there is canned pumpkin in this chili unless you tell them. If you have never added canned pumpkin to chili before, you don’t no what you’re missing. Give it a try and see what you think!
Pumpkin
Large, round and orange, the pumpkin is a member of the gourd family which also includes all varieties of melon, watermelon and squash. It’s orange flesh has a mild, sweet flavor. The seeds, husked and roasted, are delicately nutty and are commonly known as pepitas. Pumpkin is a good source of vitamin A and can be prepared in almost any way suitable for winter squash.
Serve With
Black Bean Pumpkin Chili
Ingredients
- 16 ounce package dried black beans, rinsed and soaked in water for 3 hours
- 1 meaty smoked ham hock
- 12 cups water
- 1 pound ground beef, browned and drained
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 ribs celery, chopped
- 4 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 4 15 oz cans fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 1 10 oz cans tomatoes with diced green chilies
- 1 4 oz can diced green chilies
- 1 cup canned pumpkin
- 1 cup water
- 1 15 oz can beef broth
- 1 46 oz can tomato or vegetable (V-8) juice
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
Instructions
- Rinse black beans in cold water. Transfer beans to a large bowl. Cover with water and let beans soak for 3 hours. Drain.
- In a large soup kettle, add soaked black beans, meaty smoked ham hock and 12 cups of water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 2 to 3 hours. Remove ham hock from kettle, allow to cool. Remove ham from bone and cut into bite size pieces.
- Return meat to soup kettle along with; cooked ground beef, onion, garlic, celery, carrots, tomatoes, green chilies, pumpkin, water, beef broth, tomato juice, brown sugar, and all seasonings. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer for 1-1/2 hours or until veggies are tender.
Stuffed Green Pepper Soup is another delicious soup to keep you warm.