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Trick-or-treat! and Pumpkin & Black Bean Chili

Here in the Bean Town, trick-or-treating does not take place on Halloween. This is so strange to me. Trick-or-treating is tonight, from 6 to 8pm. How is Thursday night any better than Monday night? I could see maybe moving it to a weekend, but this just makes no sense.

Anyways, when I was growing up, every Halloween my mom made chili. She still does. It was the Halloween tradition. A warm bowl of chili was the perfect dinner to warm you up before heading out into the chilly night.


So, even though I'm not trick-or-treating tonight, I still made chili. It's the tradition! Although I switched it up a little, and instead of a traditional chili, I made a Pumpkin & Black Bean Chili. (It is Pumpkin Thursday, after all.)


Topped with a blanket of cheese.
The pumpkin is not too overpowering in this chili; it mainly acts as a thickening agent, with just a slight pumpkin taste. The chili is filled with black beans, yellow pepper, and shredded chicken, and is a bit spicy. This chili packs a nutritional punch, too.




I served it up with some Parmesan biscuits. (Made from a Tastefully Simple mix.) These tasted just like Red Lobster biscuits! If not better. And the box says it serves 6 - not true. Definitely only serves two, haha.


And the best thing about chili for dinner? Leftovers!


I'm off to pass out candy for the last few minutes of trick-or-treaters... hope we don't run out! No worries, I stashed a couple of my favorites in a hiding spot so I won't miss out...




Pumpkin & Black Bean Chili

Servings/Yield

6-8 servings

  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 yellow pepper, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 3 cups shredded chicken
  • 15-oz. can pumpkin puree, (1 3/4 cups)
  • 15-oz. can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 14.5-oz. can diced tomatoes , undrained
  • 2 teaspoons parsley
  • 1 heaping tablespoon chili powder
  • 1½ teaspoons oregano
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Method

Saute onions and yellow pepper in olive oil until tender. Add garlic and cook one more minute. Add remaining ingredients and simmer 30 minutes. Enjoy!


Source: adapted from Taste of Home
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Comments

Have Your Way said…
I want some chili now!! haha
Our trick and treating is on Monday!!

I did those strength workouts this morning, and my hips are sore already! haha
October 27, 2011 at 8:18 PM
Paige @ Running Around Normal said…
I just ordered those biscuits!! Are they good?
October 28, 2011 at 6:25 PM
Rachel said…
We made this last night for supper. Such a hearty soup! It'll definitely be made again!!
October 30, 2011 at 8:53 AM
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