Halloween Chili

Halloween Chili

by Suzie

The masses have been calling for my recipe for hearty vegetarian Halloween chili! In the spirit of The Great Pumpkin, I'll share my secrets with you, my special friends. This recipe has a bit of Mexico in it with the addition of cinnamon and a dark chocolate bar! It'll warm up your little (and big) ghouls and ghosts before a long candy hunt through the 'hood!

Ingredients

2 Tablespoons olive oil

1 onion, chopped

2 carrots, diced

1 (or 2) red bell pepper, seeded and chopped

1 small can of green chilies (opt)

*1 diced jalapeno, seeded and diced (* see below!)

1- 28 oz can crushed tomatoes

6-8 cups of cubed fresh butternut squash (2 - 8oz bags of pre-cut fresh squash)

1 quart veggie broth

2 - 15 oz cans black beans, drained and rinsed

2 - 15 oz cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed

1 8 oz can tomato paste

3/4 cup dried bulgur (omit for gluten-free recipe)

2 Tablespoon honey

1 Tablespoon maple syrup

2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce (omit for a vegetarian recipe)

2 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar

3-5 garlic cloves, minced

4 Tablespoons chili powder

2 teaspoons cumin (or more to taste)

2 teaspoons cinnamon (or more to taste)

1 Tablespoon paprika

1 10 oz dark chocolate bar (64% or more)

1 can of corn or 1-2 cups frozen corn (thawed)

salt and pepper to taste

*I don't use jalapenos, because it can make it too spicy for the kids. Add if you want more kick to your chili

Directions

1. Heat olive oil in large pot over medium heat. Add carrots, onions, bell peppers, and jalapenos (if using) and sauté until onions and carrots are almost tender, about 5 minutes.


2. Add tomatoes, tomato paste, broth, beans, green chilies, squash, honey, maple syrup, Worcestershire (if using), bulgur or hominy, vinegar, garlic and spices. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat & simmer, uncovered until bulgur is tender and mixture thickens, or for about 20 minutes. Stir often.


3. Add corn and chocolate bar and stir until chocolate is melted. Add salt and pepper to taste

Serve over brown rice with corn chips (like Frito's) and accoutrements such as cilantro, green onions, sour cream, and corn bread.