Rainy days call for cozy meals that warm the soul and fill the home with comforting aromas. Today, we have a delightful vegan recipe that perfectly fits the bill – Rainy Day Vegan Acorn Squash Chili. This hearty and flavorful chili is a celebration of autumn flavors, combining the sweetness of acorn squash with the earthy richness of beans and spices. It’s a one-pot wonder that is sure to become a favorite in your vegan repertoire.
**Rainy Day Vegan Acorn Squash Chili**
**Ingredients:**
– 1 medium acorn squash, peeled, seeded, and diced
– 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 bell pepper, diced
– 2 tablespoons chili powder
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 cups vegetable broth
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
– Lime wedges (for serving)
**Instructions:**
1. In a large pot over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté the onion, garlic, and bell pepper until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the diced acorn squash and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, cinnamon, salt, and pepper, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Pour in the vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, black beans, and kidney beans. Bring the chili to a boil.
5. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the acorn squash is tender.
6. Adjust seasoning if needed, adding more salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve the Rainy Day Vegan Acorn Squash Chili hot, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro and lime wedges on the side.
Rainy days may bring gloom, but a bowl of this aromatic and hearty chili can brighten up any household. The combination of tender acorn squash, protein-packed beans, and a medley of warming spices promises a satisfying meal that will warm you from the inside out. Remember, comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated or meat-laden; this vegan chili is a testament to the fact that plant-based meals can be both nutritious and deeply comforting. Enjoy this dish with loved ones, and savor the simple joys of a homemade meal on a rainy day.
