Perfect for Autumn: Pumpkin Chili

Why is this a foodgasm? It is the beginning of fall, the leaves are just starting to turn and you find you got yourself a hankering for some warm comfort is a bowl. Fall heralds the arrival of the king of all gourds, the pumpkin!! What better way to end a crisp fall day with some spicy pumpkin comfort in a bowl!

This is a 6 point foodgasm (yields 8 servings)

What you need
2 tablespoon olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
1 bell pepper, chopped
4 Italian sausages
1 can red kidney beans
1 can black beans
1 2/3 cup canned pumpkin
1 2/3 cup fat free low sodium chicken stock
1 cup sweet potato, cubed
3 tsp Garam Masala
2 tsp cinnamon
2 tsp chili powder

How to make it
Fill a medium pot with water and bring to a boil. Add in the Italian sausage links. Let boil until almost completely cooked. Grind in food processor In a large pot on medium heat add in olive oil onions, pepper and ground sausage meat. Stir until onions are translucent. Rinse and drain beans. (Tip: wash several times in order to remove as much of the starchy liquor as possible. Your friends and family will thank you- less tooting!) add in beans and add pumpkin, chicken stock, sweet potato and spices. Let this simmer on low for about 25 minutes.

I like to serve mine with a dollop of low fat sour cream lightly dusted in cinnamon. I even added a slice of baked sweet potato for a bit of color and because a little extra sweet potato makes it a little sweeter!

Perfect end to an Autumn day!