Skip to main content

Autumn Chili

As the nights become cooler and leaves begin to change colors (and Starbucks lets their Pumpkin Spice loose...) you may be craving something hearty for dinner. This is a quick, mild chili to satisfy those cravings. To keep it simple, the variety of veggies in this dish is meager but when I've had other items on hand and more time for chopping... I've made this with sweet potato, carrots, broccoli or cauliflower instead of bell peppers and it come out nice.

Autumn Chili garnished with roasted beets, pumpkin seeds and avocado slices

Autumn Chili

1 tsp olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups bell pepper. chopped
28 oz diced tomatoes and their juices
two 15oz cans of beans, drained and rinsed or 3 1/2 cups cooked beans
1/2 cup pumpkin puree
1 1/2 tablespoons chili powder
1/4 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, depending on how much smoky flavor you desire
1/4 tsp paprika
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice*
1 tsp sea salt
1 tsp dried oregano
dash of cayenne pepper for a mild chili (1/2 tsp for a spicy chili)

*The Pumpkin Pie Spice mix I make is:
3 tablespoons cinnamon
2 tsp dried ginger
2 tsp ground nutmeg
1 1/2 tsp ground allspice
1 1/2 tsp ground cloves

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat and add onions and bell peppers, cook for 5 min.
  2. Add garlic and cook another 2 minutes
  3. Add tomatoes, beans and pumpkin
  4. Add spices
  5. Simmer for 20-20 min
Alternatively, to use a Slow Cooker, coat bottom of preheated slow cooker with oil, add all ingredients and cook on Low for 3 hours.


Popular posts from this blog

Top Five Pantry Essentials helped me survive 2016 - will help you thrive in 2017!

Looking to start 2017 on the right foot with a pantry (and freezer) stocked with healthy, time-saving essentials? Look no further...here are my top picks that helped me get through 2016 with ease. 1. Organic Minced Ginger from The Ginger People  - add to smoothies, salad dressings and stir fry in place of fresh ginger root. A smoothie with frozen peaches or mango, carrot juice and lots of ginger really brightens up the morning! 2. Maesri Red Curry Paste  - follow the directions on the can, adding coconut milk to make a simple curry sauce than can be used for vegetables, tofu or rice. This red curry paste is gluten free, Maesri also makes a Yellow Curry Paste that is tasty but not gluten free. 3. Brown Rice Vermicelli  - use the Mamy instant brand available at Stop & Shop or another instant whole grain brown rice noodle because it cooks in 2-3 minutes and then toss the noodles with soy sauce, curry sauce or use in your favorite spring roll or stir fry. 4. ...

Is it Per-Menopause, Menopause or something else?

Did you know peri-menopause can begin as early as age 35?  While menopause is a normal and healthy transition women experience, early peri-menopause symptoms may not be a normal or healthy and can be a sign of imbalances within the body. High levels of inflammation, a low fiber or low protein diet, a high sugar or high cholesterol diet, toxins from your external environment, hormones from the food you eat or hormone-like substances from your skincare, make-up or cleaning products can all contribute to hormone imbalances that cause symptoms mimicking peri-menopause and menopause. Is this happening to you? Are you a woman in your 30s or 40s with any of the following symptoms: Even though you used to have regular cycles, you are now having cycles that can start anywhere between 21 and 40 days apart You are starting to have PMS symptoms a week or two before your period starts You often feel bloated and gassy no matter what you eat You are more irritable or ...

Put the Joy Back in the Holidays

How to Conquer Stress and Put the Joy Back in the Holidays December brings festive parties, fun times with family, favorite traditions…and stress. How much stress? According to a Healthline survey, the combination of joy and pressure that makes up the month of December means that more than 60% of us find the holiday season somewhat to very stressful. Consider the many factors that make up holiday stress: the tricky family politics, the joys of winter weather, busy schedules getting in the way of regular exercise and other self-care practices, the endless appetizers, and of course the extra cash outflow that’s synonymous with the season. The real question is… how do we NOT end up feeling overwhelmed and frazzled?! One study found that Canadians spend about $1,500 extra in the month of December, Americans about $1,000. That can definitely impact your budget! And for many people, that financial hit just adds insult to injury. It’s not surprising many of us end Decembe...