Perfect Halloween Chili: Double Pumpkin
Serves 8+

Hello Fall! Celebrate the spooky season with this hearty stew. Serve it inside orange peppers for a fun eating experience (and extra dose of skin super nutrient, vitamin A). Kids and adults alike will love this flavorful version of an American classic.

1 small sugar pumpkin, about 1-2 lbs
2 tbsp olive oil + more for roasting pumpkin
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
2 small carrots, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 poblano chile, chopped
1.5 pounds ground turkey
1 tablespoon chili powder 
1 tablespoon ground cumin
2 teaspoons ancho chile powder
28 oz. can crushed tomatoes
1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree
4 cups low-sodium chicken or veg broth
1-2 tablespoons chopped chipotles in adobo (optional)

For serving:

Orange bell peppers cut in half
Tortilla chips
Limes, toasted pumpkin seeds, avocado for garnish

Method:

Preheat oven to 400. Line a sheet pan with foil. Remove stem from pumpkin. Cut in half and scoop out seeds. Rub with oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast pumpkin cut side down for 15 minutes. Flip pumpkin to cut side up, and roast for another 10-15 minutes or until tender. Cool, peel, and chop into chunks. 

Meanwhile, in a large heavy-bottom pot, heat 2 tablespoons oil over medium-high heat. Add onion and carrot. Season with salt and pepper and sauté until softened, 5 minutes. Add pepper and garlic and sauté until fragrant, 1 minute.

To the veggies, add the turkey, season with salt and pepper, and sauté until mostly cooked through, about 5 minutes. Add cumin, chili powder, ancho chile powder, and stir to incorporate. 

Add tomatoes, beans, pumpkin puree, broth, and chipotle (if using). Stir to combine and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer and then reduce heat to low. Cook uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add the roasted pumpkin to the chili and simmer long enough just to heat through. Serve chili inside bell peppers with your favorite garnishes and tortilla chips. Enjoy!