Recipe

Almost Meatless Butternut Squash and Black Bean Chili

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Almost Meatless Butternut Squash and Black Bean Chili

Photo by Sonali aka the Foodie Physician

This recipe was entered in the contest for Your Best Chili
hardlikearmour's Testing Notes: Sonali has created a delicious, healthy, and satisfying meal that can be prepared in about an hour from prep to finish - not an easy feat! Chili purists may quibble with the name, but no...
Sonali has created a delicious, healthy, and satisfying meal that can be prepared in about an hour from prep to finish - not an easy feat! Chili purists may quibble with the name, but no one will complain about the flavor. The beef and beans add heartiness, that contrasts nicely with the sweet butternut squash. The somewhat tangy tomato sauce brings it all together. It's pretty mild, so don't be afraid to stir in extra chipotle and adobo if you like your chili a little spicier.

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Chef
Sonali aka the Foodie Physician's Notes: Try this hearty and nutritious chili recipe that's perfect for the fall. The sweet butternut squash works well with the smoky heat of the chipotle chilis. By incorporating healthy vegetables...
Try this hearty and nutritious chili recipe that's perfect for the fall. The sweet butternut squash works well with the smoky heat of the chipotle chilis. By incorporating healthy vegetables and black beans in this dish, only a small amount of ground beef (1/2 pound for 6 servings) is added. This cuts down on the calories and fat and no one will even miss it! This dish can easily be made vegetarian by omitting the ground beef and adding an extra can of beans.

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Serves 6

2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil Ask a question about this ingredient

1 medium yellow onion, chopped (about 1 cup) Ask a question about this ingredient

1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped (about 1 cup) Ask a question about this ingredient

2 cloves garlic, chopped Ask a question about this ingredient

1/2 pound extra lean ground beef (93% lean) Ask a question about this ingredient

Kosher salt and black pepper Ask a question about this ingredient

1 teaspoon chipotles in adobo, seeded and chopped Ask a question about this ingredient

1 teaspoon adobo sauce (from the can of chipotles) Ask a question about this ingredient

1 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin Ask a question about this ingredient

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano Ask a question about this ingredient

1/4 teaspoon allspice Ask a question about this ingredient

1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes (about 3 cups) Ask a question about this ingredient

1 can (28 oz) diced fire roasted tomatoes Ask a question about this ingredient

1 cup fat free and low sodium beef or chicken broth (or water if vegetarian) Ask a question about this ingredient

1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed Ask a question about this ingredient

1/4 cup cilantro, chopped Ask a question about this ingredient

Heat the oil in a large Dutch oven or wide-based pot over medium heat. Add the onion and bell pepper and cook 6-7 minutes until partially softened. Add the garlic and cook another minute until fragrant. Stir in the ground beef and brown it, breaking it into pieces as it cooks. Season with salt and pepper.
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Stir in the chipotles, adobo sauce, cumin, oregano, and allspice. Add the butternut squash, tomatoes, and broth (or water). Season with salt and pepper. Bring mixture to a boil then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook 20 minutes then uncover and stir in the beans. Cook, partially covered, another 15-20 minutes until chili is thickened and squash is cooked through. Stir in the cilantro.
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Serve chili alone or with brown rice. Top with reduced fat sour cream if desired. Garnish with cilantro.
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