No tomatoes! No beans! Can I even call this chili?! Yep. Yep, I can.
Why? Because it has all the flavors of chili and more. And because of the way that I cooked the butternut squash – it even has a “bean”-like texture, you know, if you use your imagination a little bit. Why make a chili without beans? Well if you’re on the paleo diet, beans are a no go. And well, if you’re trying to avoid feeling bloated, then this is the chili for you.
So how does my butternut squash end up with a “bean-ish” texture? Because I cook it over low heat until it’s just tender but still has some give to it. It shouldn’t turn to mush in your mouth – it should add a nice texture to this meaty chili.
Let’s talk flavor because that’s where it’s at with this chili. It’s got a kick to it – thanks to the serrano peppers. It’s spicy, slightly sweet thanks to the squash, chipotle-y and even a little smoky.
The best way to chow down on this bowl of hugs: while wearing your pajamas, sitting on your cozy couch under a warm fuzzy blanket. Okay, that’s actually the way I eat all of my meals these days… real talk.
So grab a bowl and join me on the couch. Let’s eat some chili together.
This recipe originally appeared on My Heart Beets.
| Spicy Chipotle Butternut Squash Turkey Chili |
- 2 tbsp Coconut oil
- 1 large Onion diced
- 6 cloves Garlic minced
- 2 pounds Ground Turkey
- 2 pounds Butternut Squash chopped
- 5 tsp Chili Powder
- 1 tsp chipotle powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp Oregano
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
- 1/4 tsp cayenne
- 3 cups Broth
- Cilantro optional
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Ingredients
Servings:
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- Melt the coconut oil in dutch oven or heavy pot over medium heat.
- Add the onion, garlic, serrano peppers, and ground meat and cook for 15 minutes, or until mostly browned.
- Add the spices, mix well, then add the butternut squash and broth.
- Reduce the heat to low for 18-20 minutes, or until the squash has softened but is still slightly crisp.
- For a thicker chili, remove 1 cup of of the cooked butternut from the pot and place in a blender along with some liquid from the pot. Blend until smooth, then put back into the pot.
- Garnish with cilantro, then serve.
