To make the pumpkin easier to cut, pierce with a fork a few times and microwave on high for 1 minute. Set aside to cool. Once pumpkin is cool enough to handle, cut in half. Scoop out and discard the seeds, then cut each half into six wedges. Using a sharp paring knife, cut the peel from each wedge, then chop into ½″ cubes.
Pour olive oil into large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add onion and saute until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
Add garlic and pumpkin, and continue cooking for another 5 minutes, or until onion is golden.
Stir in tomatoes, beans, Guinness, brown sugar, maple syrup spices and pepper.
Bring chili to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, for 25 minutes or until the pumpkin is tender. Stir in red pepper and corn, and continue simmering for another 5-10 minutes or until corn is bright yellow and peppers are soft.
Serve piping hot with your favorite chili garnishings – grated cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, green onions or all of the above (we just used cheese but would have tried green onions also if we'd had them).
Notes
If you like a spicier flavor, choose a spicier pepper, such as jalapeno or chipotle.
Recipe by The Saturday Evening Pot at http://thesaturdayeveningpot.com/2013/10/pumpkin-black-bean-chili-with-guinness-secret-recipe-club-reveal.html