Black Bean 'n' Pumpkin Chili

METHOD: Slow Cooker
TIME: Prep: 20 min. Cook: 4 hours

1 medium onion, chopped
1 medium sweet yellow pepper, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cups chicken broth
2 cans (15 ounces each) black beans, rinsed and drained
2-1/2 cups cubed cooked turkey
1 can (15 ounces) solid-pack pumpkin
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
2 teaspoons dried parsley flakes
2 teaspoons chili powder
1-1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
1-1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon salt

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In a large skillet, saute the onion, yellow pepper and garlic in oil until tender. Transfer to a 5-qt. slow cooker; stir in the remaining ingredients. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or until heated through. Yield: 10 servings (2-1/2 quarts).

Note: This is a great recipe for using your leftover holiday turkey. I used cubed chicken breast and it tasted great.

Mexican Black Bean Soup

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, very finely chopped
1 canned chipotle chile, seeded and finely chopped
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
2 (15-ounce) cans black beans, drained
3 cups chicken stock or canned low-sodium broth
¾ pound smoky cooked sausage, such as andouille or kielbasa, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons very finely chopped cilantro
Salt and freshly ground pepper
Sour cream and lime wedges, for serving

In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil until shimmering. Add the onion and cook over moderate heat, stirring occasionally until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic along with the chipotle, cumin and oregano and cook, stirring, until fragrant, 2 minutes. Add the black beans and chicken stock and simmer, partially covered, for 15 minutes. Using a potato masher, coarsely crush some of the beans.

Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over high heat. Add the sausage and cook until browned, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes. Add the sausage to the beans, along with the lime juice and cilantro; season with salt and pepper. Simmer the soup for 2 minutes to allow the flavors to blend. Ladle the soup into bowls and serve, passing the sour cream and lime wedges separately.

Serves: 4. Total time: 30 minutes.