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Easy Hearty Vegan Butternut Squash Chili

Close-up of a rich, orange butternut squash chili with white beans served in a dark blue ceramic bowl.
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Make this simple, smoky butternut squash chili. It uses white beans and chipotle peppers for a deep, warming flavor perfect for fall or winter.

Ingredients

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  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium butternut squash (about 3 cups cubed)
  • 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (15 ounce) can white beans (cannellini or great northern), rinsed and drained
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1 cup vegetable broth
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, minced (use more for extra heat)

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
  2. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Add the cubed butternut squash, black beans, white beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and vegetable broth to the pot.
  4. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cinnamon, salt, pepper, and minced chipotle pepper.
  5. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and cook for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the squash is tender.
  6. Use the back of a spoon or a potato masher to gently mash some of the squash against the side of the pot to thicken the chili slightly.
  7. Cook uncovered for another 5 minutes if you prefer a thicker consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Notes

  • For a slow cooker method, combine all ingredients in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. Mash slightly before serving.
  • If you prefer turkey chili, substitute 1 pound of ground turkey for half of the beans and brown it with the onion before adding other ingredients.
  • Serve with toppings like avocado, fresh cilantro, or a squeeze of lime juice.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://epicureempire.com/butternut-squash-chili-recipe/