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Butternut Squash Chili

Butternut Squash Chili
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Warm up your evening with rich, hearty Butternut Squash Chili, an easy-to-make, flavorful, and comforting dish perfect for cozy nights in. This chili balances the natural sweetness of roasted butternut squash with smoky and spicy chili flavors, making it perfect for vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free diets while packing a nutritious punch.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and diced into bite-sized cubes
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juices
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups vegetable broth

Spices & Seasonings

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for roasting and sautéing)
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Roast the Butternut Squash: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the peeled and diced butternut squash cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized to enhance their natural sweetness.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: While the squash roasts, heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic and cook for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant, building a savory base for the chili.
  3. Add Spices and Tomatoes: Stir in chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Toast the spices with the onion and garlic for about a minute. Then add the diced tomatoes with their juices and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes to deepen the flavors.
  4. Combine Beans and Broth: Add the rinsed black beans and vegetable broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes to thicken the chili and meld the flavors.
  5. Mix in Roasted Butternut Squash: Fold in the roasted squash cubes and simmer for an additional 5 minutes to warm through without breaking down the squash. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.

Notes

  • Roasting enhances flavor: roasting the butternut squash unlocks natural sweetness and softens the flesh.
  • Use fresh spices for vibrant and complex chili flavors.
  • Adjust thickness by simmering uncovered for thicker chili or adding broth if too thick.
  • Season the chili at multiple stages for balanced flavors.
  • Let the chili rest for 10 minutes off heat to allow flavors to deepen before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: Butternut Squash Chili, Vegetarian Chili, Vegan Chili, Gluten-Free Chili, Fall Recipes, Healthy Chili, Comfort Food

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