Go Healthy, Eat Hearty!

A healthy and delicious comfort food in one bowl! This recipe is a perfect example of an abundance of flavors. The Harvest Butternut Squash Chili is going to be your new favorite, ready to cheer you up this season. A delectable, simple meal that will definitely please all kinds of eaters.

 With squash as the inspiration for this dish, I created something that your taste buds will adore – a mouth-watering experience of warm goodness. The butternut squash balances out the heat, enhances the kind of texture needed and doesn’t water down this wonderful comfort food at all. The combination of all the rock star ingredients creates a hearty vibe from the beans, veggies, chili and rich tomatoes. The flavors continue to develop the longer it simmers and the aroma fills the air with happy memories. Looking how yummy this dish is, allow me to share with you all of the nutritious elements your body can get. I have given you how beneficial butternut squash is in my previous Meatless Monday blog, so just click here if you want to refresh your healthy notes on that! =)  Next stop, the health benefits from zucchini…

It’s time to feed your body and soul.

Harvest Butternut Squash Chili

Ingredients:

1 small butternut squash, cubed (about 2 cups)

1 large onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoon chili powder OR 1 ancho (seeded, boiled and blended)

1 green pepper, seeded and diced

1 red pepper, seeded and diced

2 zucchini, diced

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 jar (24 oz.) crushed tomatoes

1 15oz. can black beans, rinsed and drained

1 15oz. can kidney beans, rinsed and drained

3 cups vegetable broth

sea salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
2. On a baking sheet or silpat, toss butternut squash and sprinkle sea salt.
3. Bake squash for approximately 20 minutes
4. In a large pot over medium heat, sauté onion, garlic for 5 minutes.
5. Add peppers, zucchini and thyme and cook for 5 minutes.
6. Add the jar of crushed tomatoes. Stir in the beans, roasted butternut squash and veggie broth.
7. Simmer until veggies are cooked.

Question: Are you a hearty meal lover? What is the perfect combo for this dish? Any requests for future recipes? I would love to hear from you, so post your feedback in the comments section below!

Make sure to subscribe to receive these weekly episodes, recipes, inspirations and a free copy of my eBook -Gratitude: A Plantfire 4-Course Meal – straight to your inbox!

Did this recipe speak to your palate? Take a look at my recipe page!

Connect with me on social media:
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
Instagram @VanessaChamberlin