Vegan Pumpkin Chili

Jump To Recipe by Liz Thomson October 19, 2023 This post may contain affiliate links.

Get ready for a cozy, autumn-inspired dish with this vegan pumpkin chili! It’s packed with healthy veggies, hearty beans, and velvety pumpkin puree for a satisfying plant-based meal.

This post is sponsored by Patient First. All opinions are my own.

Fall is in the air, and it’s the perfect time to make this tasty pumpkin chili! This recipe is a great one to make before trick or treating, and it’s the perfect way to sneak in lots of healthy vegetables before enjoying some treats! The beans make this recipe super satisfying and the pumpkin makes this chili extra thick and hearty.

I created this recipe in partnership with Patient First. With the cold and flu season around the corner, it’s a great time to get familiar with Patient First! They have convenient locations all across the mid-Atlantic region and they’re open 8am – 8pm, year round, no appointment necessary. Now that I have a toddler, it feels like a challenge to escape the germs, so I love knowing I have an urgent care option right down the street!

To help kids get more familiar with the doctor’s office, Patient First will be providing free X-rays of Halloween Candy from October 27th – November 3rd from 6 to 8 p.m at all of their neighborhood centers. This digital X-ray image is fun for trick-or-treaters, allowing them to look at the peanuts and other treats inside of their candy. This is also a great way to give kids fun reasons to visit the doctor’s office and it may ease some anxiety the next time they take a trip to the doctor’s office and it gives me some extra peace of mind after trick or treating with my own toddler!.

So make a bowl of this vegan pumpkin chili, enjoy trick or treating, and then stop by Patient First between 10/27-11/3 to see the x-ray machines!

Why I Love This Recipe

This pumpkin chili is a great recipe for the whole family because it’s easy to customize with your favorite toppings! You can keep the flavor of the chili mild, then add your favorite hot sauce. You can keep it plant-based or add sour cream and shredded cheese on top. You can prepare it in advance and reheat the leftovers when you’re ready. It might just be the perfect fall meal!

Ingredients & Substitutions

Olive Oil: The olive oil is used to sauté the onions, peppers, and garlic, providing a base for building flavor in the chili. If you prefer to make this recipe oil free, you can use 2 tablespoons of water or broth to sauté the vegetables.
Onion: Diced onions add a sweet and savory base to the chili and enhance its overall flavor. Feel free to substitute with a white onion or 2-3 shallots.
Red and Green Bell Peppers: These peppers contribute a slightly sweet and savory flavor to the chili.
Garlic: Minced garlic infuses the chili with a robust and aromatic flavor. You can substitute with 2 teaspoons of garlic powder, if desired.
Chili Powder: Chili powder is the primary seasoning, providing the chili’s signature heat and depth of flavor. I used a mild chili powder to ensure this dish wasn’t too spicy, but you can use a chili powder with more heat if you like it spicy.
Cumin: Ground cumin adds a warm and earthy note, complementing the chili’s overall flavor profile.
Oregano: Oregano contributes a subtle, earthy undertone to the chili’s flavor.
Smoked Paprika: Smoked paprika enhances the smoky and slightly sweet aspects of the chili. You can substitute with regular paprika if necessary.
Diced Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes provide acidity, a rich tomato flavor, and a chunky texture to the chili. I like using fire-roasted diced tomatoes for even more flavor.
Pumpkin Puree: Pureed pumpkin not only thickens the chili but also adds a creamy, velvety texture and a mild, slightly sweet flavor. Be sure to use canned pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling.
Vegetable Broth: Vegetable broth serves as the liquid base of the chili, ensuring it has the right consistency and provides extra depth of flavor.
Kidney Beans and Black Beans: The beans add protein, fiber, and a hearty texture to the chili, making it a filling and satisfying meal. You can substitute with pinto beans, if desired.
Lime Juice: Lime juice brightens and balances the flavors in the chili, providing a touch of acidity and freshness. You can substitute it with a splash of red wine vinegar.

The Best Toppings for Chili

I love topping this hearty vegan pumpkin chili with jalapeños for a little extra spicy kick. I also love adding a few tortilla chips to add a crunchy texture. You could also top your vegetarian pumpkin chili with sour cream, shredded cheese, green onions, fresh cilantro, corn chips, or hot sauce.