Winnie’s Halloween Chili

Chilly Halloween nights call for a crock pot of Chili! But this isn’t your average chili…..it’s hearty, rich, and packed with flavor, and tucked inside are a few secret superstar ingredients like pumpkin, bone broth, and shredded veggies that blend right in while doing some wonderful things for our bodies. Cozy, nourishing, and just a tiny bit sneaky — this chili is going to become a tradition at your table too.

You will need:

Avocado oil

4 garlic cloves, minced

1/2 sweet onion, chopped finely

1 cup shredded carrots

2 yellow bell peppers, chopped

1 can pumpkin purée ( not for pie)

2 chipotle peppers,diced small

2 cups beef bone broth

4 cups plain tomato sauce

2 tbsp chili powder

1 tbsp ground cumin

1 tsp salt or more to taste

2 lbs ground sirloin

2 cans cannellini or navy beans, do not drain

Handful of cilantro, chopped finely

In a large skillet with sides, coat bottom with avocado oil and toast the garlic. Add the onions, carrots and bell peppers.   Once the veggies are soft ( 5-10 minutes), add the chipotle peppers and a spoonful of the liquid from the can (more if you like a little extra smoky spice).  Next add the pumpkin, blend well and add the bone broth.  From here, remove all of this to a crock pot.  Rinse the skillet out and cook the ground sirloin. I dont drain the fat, I love the flavor, but you can of course.  Add the tomato sauce, beans and spices to the sirloin, stir well, and add the cilantro.   Remove to the crockpot with the pumpkin mixture.  Mix well, cover, and simmer on low for several hours.   Serve with tortilla chips, sliced avocado, shredded cheese, cilantro and chopped onion.