Cut the sugar pie pumpkin in half and scoop out the seeds. Brush the flesh with 1-2 tablespoons of the olive oil and then place the pumpkin halves flesh side down in a baking dish.
Add about one inch of water to the baking dish and then place it in the oven.
You want to slightly under bake the pumpkin so that you can cube it for the chili. Bake the pumpkin for about 20 minutes and then check for tenderness. If it's still quite firm to the touch, bake the pumpkin for an additional 10 minutes or until the pumpkin is tender but firm. Remove the baking dish from the oven and let the pumpkin cool.
In a large pot over medium high heat, add 2 tablespoons olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the onion and sauté just until it's tender.
Then add the garlic and the ground beef. While you're cooking the ground beef, mix in the ¼ cup of corn flour or corn starch.
Stir in the cinnamon, smoked paprika, chili powder, coriander, cumin, brown sugar and pinch of cayenne.
Once the ground beef is mostly cooked, don't overcook, add the tomato paste and beer. Stir until incorporated.
Then add the 2 cans of beans, dried bay leaf and at least one cup of broth. Reserve the second cup of broth and use it as needed.
Let the chili simmer on low for about 30 minutes to develop all the lush flavors.
While your simmering the chili, peel and cube the cooled pumpkin. Gently stir the 2 cups pumpkin cubes into the chili and season to taste with salt and pepper. Add additional broth if needed.
Serve with sour cream, chopped cilantro, green onion and cheddar cheese if desired. This chili will keep for about 3-4 days in the refrigerator. But I honestly don't think it'll be there in three days .