Making a Gourd-geous Chili

Time to get cooking!

This is the perfect time of year for hearty soups and stews and this one is guaranteed to warm you up during the cold Chicago winter

Gourd-Forward Chili

• One large onion

• 4 cloves of garlic, minced

• 1 bell pepper, diced small

• 1/2 of a pie pumpkin, peeled, diced, and with seeds removed (you can also use another gourd of your choice)

• 2 medium carrots, washed and cut into rounds

• 2 Tablespoons ground cumin

• ½ Tablespoon garlic powder

• 2 Tablespoons smoked paprika

• ½ Tablespoon ground coriander

• ½ Tablespoon cinnamon

• 1 ½ Tablespoons cocoa powder

• 1 teaspoon of cayenne powder

• 2 cans of diced tomatoes

• 3 Tablespoons of tomato paste

• 1-2 cups of water (or vegetable stock)

• 1 15 oz can of black beans

• 1 15 oz can of pinto beans

• ¾ cup of dried lentils

• salt and pepper to taste

• shredded cheddar cheese

• a few sprigs of cilantro

• sour cream or Greek yogurt

Get your ingredients from Forty Acres Fresh Market

Shop Online 

Order a $20 Veggie Box and request squash, onion, garlic, and bell peppers.

Shop In Person 

Check for the latest information on Forty Acres Fresh Market produce stands and popup markets

Directions

1. Heat a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add oil, and diced onion. Season with a healthy pinch each salt and pepper and stir. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently.

2. Add your bell pepper and garlic, season with another pinch salt and pepper, and cook while stirring to make sure the garlic and onions cook without burning.

3. Next, add in your diced gourd, stir and good until the pieces begin to soften

4. Add your liquid, spices, and tomatoes, and stir to combine. Bring to a low boil over medium high heat.

5. Once boiling, add your beans. Cook for 15 minutes, or until lentils are mostly tender. As it’s cooking you may need to add more water or vegetable stock if the mixture is looking too dry and the lentils aren’t submerged

6. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce heat slightly to low (or medium-low),and gently simmer for 20 minutes to meld the flavors together. Stir occasionally.

Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, Top with sour cream or Greek yogurt, cheddar cheese, and cilantro.