Sheila Lukins Blazing Squash Chili Food

SQUASH-BLACK BEAN CHILI

Steps:

• Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium-high heat. Add the onion and bell peppers, season with salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and lightly browned, about 10 minutes. Add the garlic and cook 1 minute. Add the chile powders, cumin, coriander, oregano and tomato paste. Cook, stirring, until the vegetables are coated in the spice mixture, about 2 minutes, adding a splash of water if the mixture is dry.
• Add 2 cups water, the tomatoes, beans, bay leaves and 1 teaspoon salt to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and stir in the squash and rutabaga. Partially cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and the chili is slightly thickened, 30 to 40 minutes. (Add up to 1/2 cup water if the chili gets too thick.) Remove the bay leaves and season with salt. Serve with assorted toppings and cornbread.

SHEILA LUKINS' BLAZING SQUASH CHILI

Steps:

• Heat the oil in a large heavy pot over medium-low heat. Add the onions, garlic and peppers. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have wilted. Add the chili powder, cumin, oregano, allspice, and red pepper flakes and cook for 1 minute longer, stirring to coat the vegetables well with spices.
• Stir in the tomatoes with their juices, the red wine, butternut squash, orange zest, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to medium-low, and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes, or until the squash is tender. Adjust the seasonings to taste.
• Fold in the kidney beans and simmer 10 minutes longer. Just before serving, stir in the cilantro and parsley. Serve garnished with the scallions.