It is the weirdest feeling when it is brought to your attention that you are pissing people off and you had no idea.
A few months ago I wrote a blog post that offended certain members of my family. When I wrote it, I truly didn’t anticipate much of a problem, but good freaking God, it caused a problem. A problem of gargantuan proportions. It caused the kind of problems that caused a certain faction of my family to defriend me on Facebook. They emailed my grandmother. Oh, they taught me.
The thing is this: what I said I would say to their face except these members of my family? I don’t know them. I have met them perhaps 7 times in my whole entire life so it isn’t as if I have them in mind when I write. I am sure it can be argued that I am further fanning the flames by writing about it here, but they assured me they would no longer be reading as I am an embarrassment so write about it I will.
Look, some of my past wardrobe choice are embarrassing as are half the men I have dated, but I am not embarrassed by my opinions. Of course, I do my best to not be disrespectful or overly aggressive, but I speak my mind. I am kinda bummed grandma has to deal with folks harassing her but I have a big mouth and I know she sees it as part of my charm. To know me is to know I am going to say what I think and do what I like, but they would that know that, yanno?
But just so you know, you all are part of a great family shame. You better feel dirty and I hope you love it.
Another thing I have been doing for years and I will not apologize about? Eating pumpkin. Love it, that pumpkin. Apparently some people hate it; I am just realizing this year it is a very divisive squash. I think it is delicious and a great way to add add flavor, moisture, and texture without a ton of fat. When someone mentioned yesterday they would love a pumkin soup, I rejoiced. This pumpkin chili isn’t soup, but it has the same warming and delicious effect as it’s thinner brethren. I love the green chiles in this dish; it adds a depth not found in most conventional chilis. The pumpkin thickens everything and they turkey keeps everything healthy. I topped it with some reduced fat cheddar and low fat sour cream and I was in autumnal heaven.
So there it is, pumpkin turkey chili. If it offends you, I am sorry. I will not apologize…just please dont call my grandma.
Pumpkin Turkey Chili
Adapted slightly from Serious Eats
1 tablespoon oil, I used olive
1 cup chopped onion
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 (4 ounce) can chopped green chiles
3 large cloves garlic, minced
1 pound ground turkey (or a package, doesn’t have to be exact)
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 (14.5 ounce) can red kidney beans
2 cups (1 14.5 ounce can) pumpkin puree
1 1/2 tablespoons chili powder
1/2 tablespoon cumin
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Cayenne pepper to taste (at least 3 good shakes)
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1. Heat oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Saute the onion, green bell pepper, green chiles, and garlic until tender, about 10 minutes. Make room in the center of the skillet, add turkey, and brown, about 10 minutes. Stir in tomatoes, beans, and pumpkin. Season with chili powder, cumin, pepper, salt, and cayenne.
3. Reduce heat and simmer at least 20 minutes. Stir in fresh cilantro. If preferred, serve topped with Cheddar cheese and sour cream.
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{ 43 comments… read them below or add one }
Pumpkin chili? That’s brilliant!
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You know, when I read pumpkin chili, I was a little iffy. Pumpkin pie, pumpkin bread, I’m all about it, but pumpkin chili?? That pic makes me want to try it though!
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oh i feel dirty and i do love it.
hmm pumpkin chili. sounds so wrong, yet so right…
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I gotta go with you on this one….That’s all just a little weird!!!!
But that pumpkin chili looks yummy!!
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Oh man I want to make out with your face! This is like, the perfect thing for me. I believe I know what my family will be eating for dinner this weekend. I’m so excited.
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Whoooooooaaa, pumpkin chili??? Way to come back with a BANG. This sounds absolutely delicious. And even a kitchen dunce such as myself can’t possibily screw it up.
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This sounds completely awesome, and looks like something I can eat without feeling guilty. You’re the best. Seriously.
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I’m a big Pumpkin fan and last year I adapted your recipe for the curry squash soup using Pumpkin (it worked beautifully! just a dash or two of nutmeg goes a long way).
I may have to do it again this year… and maybe make some of this chilli with the other half of the pumpkin… all while drinking pumpkin beer (Weyerbacher is my favorite).
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I’m makking butternut squash chili for dinner tonight! I’m not a huge pumpkin fan, but squash I can get on baord with.
Also, with sharing opinions on the blog. My MIL once declared she would never read my blog again, but every time I talk to her she mentions this and that. I have decided to soldier on whether she reads or not.
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Who do I need to teach a lesson? Just say the word. you know I’m mobbed up.
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So when I first read this, I thought that the whole “I’m not going to apologize for eating pumpkin” thing was a metaphor, and was like, dude, homophobic family members are the worst.
But you meant LITERAL PUMPKIN! You should totally never have to apologize for that! Stick to your guns, girl! That pumpkin chili looks friggin’ awesome.
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I can’t believe I’m endorsing pumpkin in any way, BUT…
I saw this recipe for pumpkin pierogies and (ashamedly) thought to myself, “If I didn’t despise all things pumpkin, those actually sound pretty damn good.”
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Bleccch.
I’m telling your grandma.
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PUMPKIN CHILI? I AM OFFENDED! So much so that I will be trying it this weekend.
Srsly, tho. I’ve been there, done that. But my mom’s sister got pissed at me and said I needed mental help because I described my day with her fam from the viewpoint of a childless 20 something in the middle of a bunch of cut-budget yuppy wannabes making their way in the middle of Amish-country Pennsylvania.
And *I* need help? She still doesn’t really talk to me, but I don’t consider it much of a loss. You are who you are, you love you. If that family can’t tell you to your face they were offended, who’s really the adult here?
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Pumpkin anything works for me. It’s an annual treat of sorts. Except Pumpkin Lattes. Those blow.
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I’m very passionate about chile. I have to say, it looks delicious. Break out the homemade tortillas.
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so i just licked the screen.
i LOVE pumpkin in everything. ive had a pumpkin chilli recipe bookmarked for a bit that julie sent me as well. ive been meaning to try it!
and you keep speaking your truth sista. people shouldn’t read if they’re going to get all funked up about it.
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Well damn, which post was it?
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I love pumpkin. I make a soup with either butternut squash or pumpkin and apple with just a hint of heat. I even made a savory pumpkin and sage lasagna (making my own pasta) a couple of years ago. Under appreciated food.
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This is awesome! I’ve been wondering how to make pumpkin savory. I did it with butternut squash, but worried about trying something similar with the orange blob. I can’t wait to try this. And I’m a super fan of ground turkey.
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Perfect – and its a chile my son ( who has to face the horror of being allergic to tomato) can eat with only a minor modification. thank you thank you.
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Daaaaaamnnnn that looks good.
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YAY! I was one of those requesting pumpkin soup and this is even better! Thank you…can’t wait to try it.
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ok im gonna try this!
… cause i too *heart* the pumpkin and the weather seems right for it… im glad to have the food back…i missed it…even though my cooking leaves a lot to be desired…you have a way of making it seem simple enough that i should at least try…
xoxo
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Mmmmm….that looks delicious!
I’m glad you don’t apologize for who you are. You never should. If people – even those in your own family – can’t accept (and may not even really know you?) for who you are, well quite frankly that’s their problem. Not yours. What, like they’ve NEVER made mistakes themselves and are completely perfect?! Please.
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Ugh, family misreading your blog is the WORST. I remember my mom asked me for permission to read mine once. I said no. Best decision ever.
Also, I’m happy you’re cooking again. As the weather dips my trips downtown to dine are becoming fewer. Must… learn… how… to… make… own… food!
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I am telling Grandma…..only cuz she love’s pumpkin though! BTW, about a teaspoon of pumpkin two times a week is very good for cats. I learned that from my vet. I just thought I’d extol the virtues of pumpkin to you!
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Karyn Reply:
October 27th, 2009 at 11:36 am
This family? Gave you a hard time? Hard to believe! I hope you don’t beat yourself up about it. I’ve learned two things…1- usually when people give you a hard time it’s more about them than you; 2- pumpkin rocks and, oh yeah, I’m going to introduce myself to that big stainless steal appliance in my kitchen and give this a whirl.
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They called your GRANDMOTHER? Good grief.
I’ve never found anything you say to be offensive and last Friday I threatened to retroactively abort some children. I’m pretty sure someone is going to call my grandma for that one. Except then she’d have a heart-attack.
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Well, as long as they’re no longer reading – well punished, you are! – I say live it up!
As for pumpkin, I like it very much as a vegetable. But I hate it in pie. And I hate pumpkin scented crap.
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You know…I really dislike squash or zucchini or anything with those tastes or textures…but I love pumpkin. One of my favorite all time recipes is my mom’s pumpkin bread. Its so moist and delicious…and she makes it old school in tin cans the way her mom did for nostalgia and taste…its the best.
That recipe looks DELICIOUS!
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I’m all up in the pumpkin lately. I made pumpkin fondue and openly declared my desire to have sex with it. . . .which I think makes me a lesbian. . .
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That is why old people should not be allowed on the internet.
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That was easily the best segue between volatile family relations and pumpkin-based cuisine I’ve seen all day.
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My general dislike for pumpkin says “Run!” but my love of chili says “Eat!” I don’t know what to do.
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I made this tonight and it was wonderful. I like my chili a little thinner so I doubled the tomatoes and added some water. Thanks again for pointing us in this direction.
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Wow pumpkin chili? That knocks pumpkin penne as the most creative pumpkin recipe this year. I’m not a pumpkin fan but I think this is really creative.
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I can’t believe they called your grandma!?! PS Thanks for the receipe – It looks delicious!
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That looks delicious! I will definitely have to give it a try when the cold weather sets in for good.
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Families constantly baffle me. My entire family was in an uproar after they all facebook friended me…because I posted pictures of my blacked out grandmother. Apparently taking pictures is wrong. Being 85 and wasted at a family function is not.
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Blaspheme! I’ll see your pumpkin chili in court!
Plus, all Nanas (Grandmas AND bananas, both) are fair game. According to the official rules of Me.
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Made this last night and it turned out delish’ly! ..not surprised, i love all things pumpkin. thanks for the recipe! keep em comin’
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Thanks so much for this recipe. I tried it yesterday and it is sooo delicious! Inspired.
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I made this last night (added chili pepper flakes and another can o’ tomatoes) and LOVED it. Thanks!
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