4Cs- Chef Charity's Chipotle Chili

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  • 1 lb of kidney beans soaked overnight and then cooked OR (two 28-oz cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed)

  • 3 tablespoon grape seed or avocado oil

  • 1 red onion, medium diced

  • 1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced

  • 3 stalks celery, rough diced

  • 3 carrots, peeled and rough, medium diced

  • 1 butternut squash, peeled, seeded and medium diced (can use a small pumpkin)

  • 4-5 cloves garlic (minced)

  • 1 small can tomato paste (don't skip this part, this thickens your chili)

  • One 16-can beer (or gluten-free beer)

  • 1 teaspoon ancho chili powder

  • 2-3 tablespoon chili powder

  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika

  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin

  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon

  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric

  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

  • 1 tablespoon vegetable Better than Bouillon (MIXED IN 1/2 cup of Water)

  • 2 bay leaves

  • 2-3 chipotle chilies in adobo sauce *See Chef's Notes

  • 1- 28-oz can of diced tomatoes

  • Salt and black pepper to taste

  • 1 bunch cilantro (tops and slight stems), save some for garnish

  • 1 bunch green onions (green & white part), save some for garnish

  • *Optional toppings: cashew sour cream, shredded vegan cheeze, thinly sliced scallions, chopped tomatoes, avocado, and lime wedges

Start with a hot pot or Dutch oven, add oil and sauté onions, bell peppers, celery, and carrot until slightly translucent. Add garlic and sauté until garlic becomes fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add tomato paste, cook for 2 minutes until paste is a brick red color. Add beer, stir well and cook for 2-3 minutes, then add chipotle pepper with adobo sauce and seasonings. Now add cooked and drained kidney beans, butternut squash, and simmer for 10 minutes. Next add can of diced tomatoes with juice. Last add cilantro and green onions. Check seasoning. Simmer on low for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. This can simmer longer and is a great recipe for a crockpot or slow cooker. Serve with your favorite toppings.

**Chef’s tips:

*Seasoning can be altered by your taste in spice; I am a little heavy on the cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika. Chili is supposed to have a kick!

*For less kick only add 1 chipotle chili

*To increase the serving size, add an additional can of beans. Can substitute black beans. 

 

Charity Morgan