I can’t help myself. I am on a soup and stew bender, and this chili is my latest rendition. This chili is a hearty stew perfect for the winter weather. It’s chunky and sating, packed with black beans, brimming with peppers and butternut squash, and fortified with spicy sausage. If you can stand it, let it refrigerate overnight before serving, and it will taste even better. This will warm you in the cold weather, and is a festive snack option for Superbowl viewing.
Black Bean, Sausage and Butternut Squash Chili
Serves 6
1 tablespoon olive oil
3/4 pound chorizo or hot Italian sausage
1 large yellow onion, chopped
2 cups butternut squash cubes cut in 1/2″ square
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 poblano pepper, membranes and seeds removed, cut in 1/2″ pieces
2 jalapeno peppers, seeded, finely chopped
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 – 28 ounce can Italian plum tomatoes
1 1/2 cups chicken stock
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 bay leaves
2 cups cooked black beans
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/3 cup cilantro leaves, plus extra for garnish
2 scallions, white and green parts finely sliced
fresh avocado as garnish (optional)
Heat olive oil in a stock pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Add sausages and brown on all sides. Transfer to a plate lined with a paper towel. When cool enough to handle, cut in 1/4 inch slices.
Add onion to pot and saute until softened, 3-4 minutes. Add squash, garlic and peppers. Saute 3 minutes. Add dry spices and cook stirring, one minute. Add tomatoes, chicken stock, tomato paste and bay leaves. Simmer until squash is tender, about 20 minutes. Stir in black beans, sausage, salt and pepper. Simmer 10 more minutes. Taste to adjust seasoning.
Before serving add cilantro. Serve in bowls with with scallions, fresh avocado (if using) and additional cilantro.
This one will send my husband into food heaven. It has absolutely everything he loves in it. I guess I’m going shopping this morning though I have most of the ingredients at hand. Thanks, Lynda.
You can improvise with other ingredients, too – it’s a forgiving recipe. Thanks for your comment, Marianne.
I can barely keep up with your beautiful posts – this photo is outstanding and makes me want to run to the store for the ingredients. Stay on your “bender” – wonderful recipes!
Thanks, Liz. I am still thinking about your impromptu salad.
What a gorgeous dish! So bright and colorful, and I love that combination of flavors!
Thanks, Carrie!
This looks so tasty! The pics are so bright and colorful.
Thank you!
This looks delicious!
I think I will make it tomorrow night…it will go perfectly with the 20 inches of snow we just got.
Snow is a perfect accompaniment.
I am on a soup and stew bender too! And I’ve been dying to make chili.
I made this tonight using spicy turkey sausauge. I love the sweetness of the butternut against the spice of the peppers and sausage. Dang! Who knew chili could taste so good AND be good for you! Thanks!!!