1butternut squash, peeled and cubed4 garlic cloves, minced
2tablespoons olive oil
sea salt
1tablespoon chili powder
1teaspoon ground cumin
½+tablespoon chopped chipotle pepper in adobo (I found this was just the right amount of heat. If you want more heat, feel free to add more chipotle pepper)
1 bay leaf
¼teaspoon ground cinnamon
14ounce can diced tomatoes, including the liquid
4cups cooked black beans or 2 cans, rinsed and drained
14ounces vegetable broth
2avocados
tortilla chips
cilantro
sour cream
shredded Sharp Cheddar cheese
Instructions
In a 4 to 6 quart Dutch oven or stockpot, heat the olive oil. Sauté all the chopped vegetables (onion, bell pepper, butternut squash, garlic) over medium-high heat. Stir the vegetables often to make sure they don’t burn. I like to cook the veggies until the onions start turning a light brown.
When the onions start caramelizing, turn the heat down to medium-low. Add all of the spices and stir so the spices coat the veggies. Cook for 2-3 minutes, and then add tomatoes, beans and broth. Bring to a boil and then immediately turn down the heat, so the ingredients simmer.
Cover and simmer for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Taste for spice level, and if you want it spicier, add additional chipotle. Beware that chipotle is SPICY, so add a little bit at a time until it’s the right spice level for your family.
The chili is done when you can pierce the butternut squash easily with a fork, and the liquid will have reduced creating a nice, thick, hearty chili consistency.
Serve the chili in bowls topped with your favorite chili toppings. I love this chili with tortilla chips (I crumble them in my hands before adding), Cheddar cheese, sour cream and cilantro.
Notes
Adapted from Butternut Squash Chipotle Chili from Cookie and Kate