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Autumn Chili

OK. I have a confession to make. I am not a native Bostonian. Having grown up and spent 35 years living in San Diego, I still say furniture and not furni-cha, know that parking is not allowed in Harvard Yard, drive somewhat sedately, and have come to recognize that Boston is a beer town with a baseball problem. My point: I guess I still have one foot in California, and one firmly rooted in Boston.

 

When we moved to Boston in 1992, one of the things I most looked forward to was the changing of the seasons – especially fall. Cool days, leaves going full Technicolor into reds and yellows, the smell of wood smoke in the air, county fairs, apple picking, and enjoying hearty fall foods.

One of the problems with traditional fall foods is that they can have me packing on pounds faster than the Red Sox fall out of 1st place in September. With that in mind, I started working on some classic fall recipes that are full of flavor, have lots of vegetables, and are low in calories. I came up with an Autumn Fall Chili recipe, which combines the classic fall flavor of pumpkin with the hearty goodness of chili.

 

 

Autumn Chili

1 HMR Turkey Chili Entree
1/4 cup chopped onions
1/4 cup diced bell peppers
½ cup diced canned tomatoes
1/2 cup canned pureed pumpkin*
1/2 cup canned black beans
1 4-oz. can diced green chilies
1 Tablespoon sugar-free maple syrup
Chili powder, to taste
Cumin, to taste
Salt, to taste
Non-stick spray
Green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Spray large non-stick skillet with non-stick spray. Sauté onions and peppers until soft. Add the tomatoes, pumpkin, chilies, beans, entrée, salt, and spices. When bubbling, stir in the sugar-free maple syrup. Put in a bowl and garnish with green onions.

450 calories, 3 ½ V/F servings


 

Click here for a printable version of this recipe.
 






vegetables
 


This recipe can easily be doubled, tripled, quadrupled, etc. for a crowd. This is a great crowd pleaser for the big game.

* Looking for something to do with the leftover pumpkin? Make Pumpkin Pie Ice Cream: http://www.hmrdiet.com/Enjoy/Recipes/424/

 

 

by KeithVanGasken on 11/15/2011 | Share Story With a Friend

tags: Weight-Loss, HMR, Recipes, Diet Tools, in the box, strategies

About the Author

Keith Van Gasken

Keith Van Gasken began obesity treatment in a clinic setting in 1982, and has been with HMR since 1992. Roles have included health educator & mentor, as well as program and product development, with a special affinity for product & recipe development. He has maintained a 100-lb. weight loss since 1982.

Comments (8) Post a comment
I made this recipe last night for supper. It was delicious!! The only bad thing about it was that my husband really liked it as well. Next time I have to double the recipe.
by PamMorton on 11/21/2011
Hope you enjoy it Pam.
by KeithVanGasken on 11/17/2011
I am going to try this recipe this weekend for my Phase 2 challenge to use entrees on the weekend. Sounds delicious!!
by PamMorton on 11/17/2011
OK: "fall in your mouth" gave me my first laugh of the day :>)
by KeithVanGasken on 11/16/2011
Now that looks like "fall in your mouth":) The pumpkin is a great addition to the chili. Thanks for sharing!
by bhappy on 11/16/2011
That sounds good Keith, now if the weather would cooperate I would make some chili!
by ivandrago on 11/16/2011
Hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
by KeithVanGasken on 11/16/2011
This recipe looks great, Keith!!
by sailGirl on 11/16/2011