Friday, November 29, 2013

Black Bean Chili with Butternut Squash


With Squash being so plentiful this time of year, we added it to a classic chili recipe. Nothing beats the texture and taste of Chili with Butternut Squash and Black Beans.

Make is easier with a can of Black Beans instead of dried beans and you don't need 10 cups of water or the long cooking process.

Toss in two handfuls of fresh spinach for the last 5 minutes to make it even healthier.
Ingredients:1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
2 onions, chopped
1 red pepper, chopped
8 garlic cloves, chopped
2 1/2 tablespoons chili powder
1 tablespoon ground coriander
2 14.5-ounce cans fire-roasted tomatoes
1 pound dried black beans, rinsed
2 chipotle chiles from canned chipotle chiles in adobo, minced
2 teaspoons dried oregano (preferably Mexican)
Coarse kosher salt
1 2 1/4-pound butternut squash, peeled, seeded, cut into 1/2-inch cubes (about 3 cups)
1/2 cup quick-cooking bulgur

Suggested toppings:
Sour cream
Avocado
Coarsely grated hot pepper Monterey Jack cheese
Diced red onion
Chopped fresh cilantro
Pickled jalapeño rings

Directions:
Heat oil in heavy large pot over medium-high heat. Add onions, red pepper and cook until soft and beginning to brown, stirring often, about 8 minutes. Add garlic; stir 1 minute. Sprinkle chili powder and coriander over; stir 1 minute. Stir in tomatoes with juice, beans, chipotles, and oregano. Add 10 cups water. Bring to boil, reduce heat to low, cover with lid slightly ajar, and simmer until beans are tender, stirring occasionally, about 2 hours (time will vary depending on freshness of beans). Season to taste with coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper. DO AHEAD Chili can be made up to 2 days ahead. Cool slightly. Refrigerate uncovered until cold, then cover and keep chilled. Rewarm chili before continuing.
Stir squash and bulgur into chili. Simmer uncovered over medium-low heat until squash and bulgur are tender, about 30 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Divide chili among bowls. Serve with sour cream, cheese, red onion, cilantro, avocado and pickled jalapeño rings.
 Basic recipe from Bonappetit.com