It is Pumpkin Spice Season and I fully embrace it! I’m not talking about some gross oversweetened “coffee”. Pumpkin Spice Paleo Chili, on the other hand, that is what I’m talking about. The warm flavors taste like a cozy sweater feels.
In Pumpkin Spice Chili, the pumpkin isn’t super pronounced but adds a nice sweetness and body. Many chilies are thickened with flour, but I have gotten in the habit of thickening stews with pureed vegetables.
Cinnamon is a common ingredient in chili, so ginger seemed like a logical next step to me. Like the pumpkin, the ginger doesn’t stick out too much, just adds a little something special.
Why Pumpkin Spice Paleo Chili is the Perfect Dinner
Add vinegar to skillet. As the liquid sizzles, scrape up any brown pieces that are stuck to the bottom of the pan. Vinegar will help decrease any gamy flavor.
Add meat mixture to slow-cooker with all other ingredients except spinach.
Stir to combine
Cook on LOW 6-8 hrs
After chili has cooked, stir in spinach and allow it to wilt
Recipe Notes
*I usually use game meat but will use beef if that is not available.
I sometimes add the left-over zucchini scraps from making zoodles or any other vegetables that are looking a little wilted in my fridge. To this day I have not found a vegetable that has not tasted great in this chili. If you find one, please let me know!
To see Gina’s adventures and Paleo-ish/ Mostly Low-carb food, follow her on Instagram or Facebook!
Gina Shively is a Personal Health Cook and American Council on Exercise (ACE) certified Health Coach located in Anchorage Alaska. Her background includes a Bachelor’s of Science in Physiology from the University of Wyoming. For the past six years, she has lived in Alaska, where she can’t get enough of the active Alaskan lifestyle that for her includes hunting, fishing, hiking, and the occasional weekend race. She loves to cook for people and enjoys the challenge of making healthy food taste delicious. Her family includes two young boys, two packgoats, and a rambunctious Weimaraner, as well as a very patient husband.
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