Smoky Black Bean Chili with Butternut Squash

By 1840 Farm • March 9, 2011 • 0 Comments

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Author Notes: This winter has been unusually cold and snowy. We’ve started to feel like it will never end. Our beloved vegetable garden is buried deep in a snowy tomb making it hard to picture that we will ever be able to plant anything but icicles there anytime soon. And by soon, I mean in the next six months.

I am a New Englander. I expect winter to be long, but I don’t have to like it. I do, however, have to try to invent ways to help keep us warm, fed, and not quite so frustrated with the longest indoor season. So, when my husband pointed out a new chili recipe in the February issue of Bon Appetit, I was all eyes. After I read the recipe, I felt a pang of guilt as I considered cheating on our beloved 1840 Farm Chili, but desperate seasons sometimes call for desperate measures.

Then my husband had to raise the stakes a little further and point out a recipe in the January/February issue of Men’s Health for a chili puree from Chef Tim Love. Off I went to the pantry. I was in luck. I actually had all of the ingredients to make my own version of this recipe. I also love a challenge, so figuring out a way to modify these recipes and use them together seemed like a good way to spend my morning. Especially if it meant that there would be chili for dinner.

Tim Love's original recipe for chili puree calls for dried chilies. Since I didn't have them on hand, I substituted chipotle chilies in adobo which I always have in my pantry. I also added a little instant espresso powder to the mix to give the coffee flavor a boost.

- 1840 Farm

Serves 12

Smoky Chili Puree

8 ounces brewed coffee
3 chipotle chilies in adobo
4 tablespoons chili powder
1 tablespoon instant espresso powder

Place all ingredients in a blender or food processor. Puree until smooth. Set aside.

Smoky Black Bean Chili with Butternut Squash

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 onions, chopped
8 cloves garlic, minced
1 recipe smoky chili puree
56 ounces diced tomatoes in puree
1 pound dry black beans, rinsed
2 teaspoons dried oregano
10 cups water
2 pounds butternut squash, peeled and cubed
1/2 cup bulgur wheat
cheddar cheese, shredded
sour cream
pickled jalapeno pepper slices

In large stockpot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and saute for 8 to 10 minutes until translucent. Add garlic and cook 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring constantly. Add chili paste and stir to combine. Add tomatoes, beans, oregano, and water and stir to combine. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer with pot lid slightly ajar for 2 hours or until beans are tender.
Add butternut squash and bulgur wheat. Return mixture to a simmer and cook without lid for 30-45 minutes until squash is tender. Season to taste with salt and black pepper. Garnish with cheese, sour cream, and jalapeno and serve.

Tags: chili, spicy, Vegetarian