four bean and pumpkin chili

Fish & Seafood

This healthy vegetarian chili has a fragrant touch of cinnamon for added flavor. Let diners top it with whatever suits their taste.

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
3 cups chopped onion
1 ½ cups chopped carrot
3 large cloves garlic, minced
4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
3 cups diced pumpkin or butternut squash
1 (28 ounce) can no-salt-added crushed tomatoes
4 (15 ounce) cans low-sodium beans, such as black, great northern, pinto and/or red, rinsed
3 tablespoons chili powder
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¾ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, or to taste
diced onion, sliced jalapeños, cotija cheese and/or pepitas for garnish

Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook, stirring often, until starting to brown, about 5 minutes. Reduce heat to medium, add carrot and continue cooking, stirring often, until the vegetables are soft, 4 to 5 minutes more. Add garlic and cook, stirring, for 1 minute.
Stir in broth, scraping up any browned bits, and bring to a boil over high heat. Add pumpkin (or squash), tomatoes, beans, chili powder, cumin, cinnamon, salt and cayenne (if using). Cover and return to a boil. Reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer and cook, uncovered, until the pumpkin (or squash) is tender, about 30 minutes.
Serve garnished with onion, jalapeños, cheese and/or pepitas, if desired.