Hearty Ways to Warm Up Winter

(Family Features) Coming inside from a cold day calls for moments spent under a blanket, around a warm fire and curled up with a hot bowl of delicious, comforting food. From chili to pasta, your winter menu is sure to feature filling dishes that warm you and your loved ones from the inside out.

For example, you can beat the chill with Pumpkin Chili, which uses Green Giant 100% Pure Pumpkin for a thicker, creamier texture and subtly sweet, earthy flavor. Plus, it comes together in around 30 minutes as an easy solution for busy weeknights or weekend fun.

Switch up pasta night with Pumpkin Mac n’ Cheese for a rich, velvety texture that features cheddar and gruyere cheeses, but you can substitute other favorites like Monterey Jack, fontina or gouda. The extra creamy texture and flavor from cream cheese means you can save time without making a traditional cream sauce using flour for added convenience.

These hearty, filling recipes feature delicious, nutritious and high-quality Green Giant 100% Pure Pumpkin that adds warmth to the menu all year long mixed into baked goods, morning smoothies and more. With special care and premium quality in mind, the non-GMO pumpkin grown in the USA without preservatives can be your new go-to.

To find more ways to warm up this winter, visit greengiantvegetables.com.

Pumpkin Chili

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 23 minutes

Servings: 4

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
  
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  
• 1 yellow onion, chopped
  
• 1 pound ground turkey
  
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
  
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  
• 2 teaspoons cumin
  
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  
• 1 cup chicken broth
  
• 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes
  
• 1 can (15 ounces) Green Giant 100% Pure Pumpkin
  
• 1 can (15 ounces) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed

1. In Dutch oven over medium heat, heat oil. Add bell pepper and onion. Saute 5 minutes.
2. Add ground turkey and separate with spatula. Cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in chili powder, paprika, cumin and garlic powder.
3. Add broth, tomatoes and pumpkin. Bring to boil and reduce heat to low. Simmer 10 minutes. Add kidney beans and simmer 3 minutes.
4. Ladle into bowls and serve hot.

Pumpkin Mac n’ Cheese

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 26 minutes

Servings: 10

• 1 1/2 pounds shell pasta
  
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  
• 1 tablespoon fresh chopped sage
  
• 4 ounces cream cheese, cubed
  
• 2 cans (15 ounces each) Green Giant 100% Pure Pumpkin
  
• 2 cups whole milk
  
• 2 1/2 cups freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese
  
• 2 1/2 cups freshly grated gruyere cheese
  
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  
• 1 teaspoon salt
  
• 1/4 teaspoon cracked black pepper

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain pasta when al dente, about 8 minutes.
2. In large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, heat butter. Add garlic and sage; saute 1-2 minutes, until garlic is lightly browned. Add cream cheese and pumpkin. Heat until cream cheese is melted and stir to combine.
3. Gradually stir in milk, cheddar and gruyere. Stir in Dijon mustard, salt and pepper. Heat until cheese is melted and sauce is creamy, about 3 minutes.
4. Fold in cooked pasta.