A Little Savory Something Something for You, Pumpkin

Turkey and pumpkin can do good stuff together. Photo from Whole Foods Market.

With all of the pumpkin pie, pumpkin cake, pumpkin puree, pumpkin butter and pumpkin whatnot on the table, don't forget Pumpkin Turkey Chili.

Pumpkin is one of four superfoods that has been suggested for the fall. Though fall is half over and winter is due on 21 Dec., it is not too late to heed this counsel, especially now that it is holiday eat anything, anyhow, anywhere time.

"Superfoods are brimming with nutrients and antioxidants,” says Kari Kooi, a registered dietitian at Houston Methodist Hospital. “The benefits of adding them into your everyday meals are numerous."

That also goes for Pomegranates, Kiwis and Pumpkin Seeds. More on those later. For now, salivate over the chili recipe.

Turkey Pumpkin Chili
http://www.bit.ly/T8Xm3L

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 small yellow onion, chopped, chopped
1 green bell pepper, cored, seeded and chopped
2 jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 pound ground white or dark meat turkey
1 (14.5-oz.) can diced tomatoes, with their liquid
1 (15-oz.) can pumpkin purée
1 cup water
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon salt
Ground black pepper, to taste
1 (15-oz.) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained

Don't let them go to seed, eat bone-strengthening pumpkin seeds. Archive image.

Heat oil in a large pot over medium high heat. Add onion, bell pepper, jalapeños and garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until tender, about 5 minutes. Add turkey and cook until browned. Add tomatoes, pumpkin, water, chili powder, cumin, salt and pepper and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium low and add beans. Cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 30 minutes more. Ladle chili into bowls and serve.

Nutritional Information:
PER SERVING: 280 calories (110 from fat), 13g total fat, 2.5g saturated fat, 55mg cholesterol, 580mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (8g dietary fiber, 7g sugar), 20g protein
Dish is: Dairy Free Gluten Free High Fiber Wheat Free