THREE-BEAN VEGETARIAN CHILI
Keep the thermostat down and lose the parka. This vegetarian chili is all you need to keep warm if it’s chilly outside. This healthy, nutritious, and hearty vegetarian staple is packed with plant protein thanks to pinto beans, cannellini beans, and red kidney beans. Butternut squash lends a creamy luscious texture, as well as a delicate hint of sweetness against the heat from the red pepper and paprika. Top with thinly sliced green onions and a dollop of sour cream if the heat is too much. We also recommend a hearty portion of cornbread to sop up every last drop. It’s really just that good.
Ingredients
2 red bell peppers
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 cup chopped onion
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon salt
4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
2 cups organic vegetable broth
1 1/2 cups (1/2-inch) cubed peeled butternut squash
1 (28-ounce) can no-salt-added tomatoes, undrained and chopped
1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
1 (15-ounce) can red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup thinly sliced green onions
Preparation
- Preheat broiler.
- Cut bell peppers in half lengthwise. Remove and discard seeds and membranes. Place pepper halves, skin sides up, on a foil-lined baking sheet. Broil 15 minutes or until blackened. Place pepper halves in a zip-top plastic bag; seal. Let stand 15 minutes. Peel and chop peppers.
- Heat a Dutch oven over medium-low heat. Add oil to pan; swirl to coat. Add onion; cook 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in cumin and next 4 ingredients (through garlic); cook 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Add bell peppers, broth, squash, and tomatoes; bring to a simmer. Cook 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add beans; simmer 25 minutes or until slightly thick, stirring occasionally. Sprinkle with green onions.
(Adapted from http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/three-bean-vegetarian-chili)