Back By Popular Demand. . . Turkey Pumpkin Chili!

OK, so I grow my own pumpkins, steam them and freeze the meat, so when I say pumpkin, I'm not talking about like canned pumpkin-pie filling. . . but I think you can get pumpkin meat that's just plain at the store but I've never looked because I keep mine in my freezer :)  I also keep my "green chili" in the freezer -- I grow jalapenos and chilis in the garden, roast and chop like a tapenade and freeze that, too.  I add that for a lot of heat but you can just get canned jalapenos and/or green chilis and add however much you and your family like for your desired spiciness.

So here's how I made my turkey chili, keep in mind that I don't care for kidney/navy/red beans so I put legumes in there that I like :)

1 cup chopped onion
1 can chopped green chilis
1/2 can jalapenos or 1 whole fresh chopped jalapeno
3 cloves garlic
1 to 1.5 lb. ground turkey
1 can tomato paste
2 cups pureed pumpkin
1 can diced tomatos
1 can garbanzo beans (chick peas)
1 can black beans
1-2 cups frozen corn

I add psyllium husks to mine for extra fiber. . . I'm in a shred right now so I add psyllium husks to everything.  It doesn't really affect flavor or taste, just helps move things along, if ya know what I mean ;)  Depending on how much liquid you have in your chili dictates how much psyllium you'd add -- too much will make it gummy, start with a couple teaspoons and if it blends right in you're good to go.  Literally....hahaha!

Spices/seasonings:

Cumin
Cayenne
Chili Powder
Cajun spice mix
Cinnamon
Himalayan sea salt
beef bouillon

I add a lot of cumin and chili (over a tablespoon) a little less cajun and cinnamon (my secret ingredient!  Cinnamon makes everything taste amazing!!) and salt to taste.

Saute all of your savories until fragrant and soft, add your turkey and dice it up, I like to add most of my spices to the turkey meat while it's cooking, then once it's no longer pink add all of the canned stuff, stir and simmer for 20 then check for taste and re-season.

I was going to add shredded zucchini and carrots and cook that in but I forgot. . . another great way to hide veggies and add fiber and vitamins, just do those right at the beginning with your onions, etc., celery is also a nice veggie to add but my fam doesn't like it, same with green bell peppers -- experiment!  Chili is such a fun, awesome, healthy dish!  I made brown rice for the kids as an accompaniment to offset the heat, but it's amazing all by itself! 

Hope you love!