Pumpkin Chili

Ingredients

• 1 medium pie pumpkin (peeled and cut into 1/2″ cubes)
• 1 large sweet potato (peeled and cut into 1/2″ cubes)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or fat of choice)
• 3 pounds ground beef (or ground meat of choice)
• 2 onions (finely chopped)
• 6-8 celery stalks (chopped)
• 8-10 cloves garlic (chopped)
• 3 bay leaves
• 3 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 1/2 tablespoons cumin
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon nutmeg
• 2 teaspoons cocoa powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne (optional)
• 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh basil (chopped)
• 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh oregano (chopped)
• 3 tablespoons fresh cilantro (chopped)
• 1 bunch spinach (chopped)
• 3 15 oz can diced tomato
• 1 6 oz can tomato paste
• 2 cups pumpkin puree (fresh puree can be made by blending some extra roast pumpkin, or use canned)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (to taste)