I made a big pot of this pumpkin chili last week for dinner and the leftovers became my lunch for the next few days.

The longer it sat in my refrigerator, the better it got.

Seriously, this chili has ruined me for other chilis.

I love it that much.

The combination of pumpkin and chili might seem odd but I promise, it totally works.

It’s even better if you can make it a day ahead and let it sit in the refrigerator so that the flavors can mingle and magical, wonderful things can happen.

I’m willing to bet that some of you might still be entertaining house guests and may need an easy recipe that can feed a crowd.

Or maybe you could use an inexpensive meal idea that will leave you with a little extra spending money for Christmas shopping this weekend.

Or maybe you just want to eat a little healthier since you spent the last couple of days stuffing yourself with Thanksgiving leftovers. Oh wait… that was me.

If any of the aforementioned reasons apply to you, give this recipe a try. Then come back and let me know what you think!

Spicy Pumpkin Ale Chili

Ingredients:

2 red, yellow, or orange bell peppers

1 yellow onion

1 large carrot or two regular sized carrots

1 small sweet potato *

1 1/2 tbsp chili powder

1 tbsp cumin

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tbsp chilpotle salsa – should be less than $1

1 15 oz can pumpkin puree – not pie filling

1 14.5 oz can of diced tomatoes

1 cup beer* – pumpkin ale preferably

2 cups chicken or veggie broth

1 15 oz can black beans

1 15 oz can kidney beans

salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Add a couple of tablespoons of olive oil to a heavy bottomed pot set over medium heat.

Chop all the veggies into bite-sized pieces and toss them into the pot. Saute just until tender.

Add the spices, canned tomatoes, canned pumpkin, beer, and broth. Stir, bring to a boil, then turn the heat down and let the chili simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Rinse and drain both cans of beans and add them to the chili.

Add salt and pepper and taste for seasoning.

* The addition of sweet potato is an issue of contention at my house. I’m for it, my husband is against it. Go with your gut on this one.

* Feel free to add more than one cup of beer. As long as you end up with about 3 cups of liquid, you’re good!