Hearty Harvest Chili

The Hearty Harvest Chili is a staple in many households during the cooler months. Deeply rooted in American cuisine, chili originally gained popularity among cowboys and pioneers of the southwestern United States. Today, it is a beloved comfort food enjoyed with family and friends, often served during gatherings or sports events. This version of chili incorporates a variety of autumn vegetables, making it a wholesome, nourishing dish. Its robust flavors and hearty ingredients will warm you up from the inside out.

Ingredients

• Ground Beef - 1 pound
• Olive Oil - 2 tablespoons
• Yellow Onion - 1 large, chopped
• Garlic - 4 cloves, minced
• Bell Pepper - 1 diced (any color)
• Carrots - 2 chopped
• Butternut Squash - 2 cups, cubed
• Zucchini - 1, sliced
• Kidney Beans - 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed
• Black Beans - 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed
• Diced Tomatoes - 1 can (28 oz)
• Tomato Paste - 3 tablespoons
• Chicken Broth - 2 cups
• Chili Powder - 2 tablespoons
• Ground Cumin - 1 tablespoon
• Ground Coriander - 1 teaspoon
• Salt - to taste
• Black Pepper - to taste

Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by preparing all the vegetables. Finely chop the yellow onion and garlic. Dice the bell pepper and chop the carrots into small pieces. Peel and cube the butternut squash, and slice the zucchini. Drain and rinse the kidney beans and black beans.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large pot or a deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it is browned and cooked through, breaking it into smaller pieces with a spatula. Once cooked, remove the ground beef from the pot and set it aside, leaving the drippings.

Cooking Process

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot, add the chopped onions and garlic. Sauté until the onions become translucent and the garlic is fragrant. Add the bell pepper, carrots, butternut squash, and zucchini, cooking until they begin to soften.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Return the cooked ground beef to the pot. Stir in the diced tomatoes and tomato paste. Pour in the chicken broth and add the drained kidney beans and black beans.

Step 5: Season the Chili

Season the mixture with chili powder, cumin, coriander, salt, and black pepper to taste. Stir well to combine all ingredients thoroughly.

Step 6: Simmer the Chili

Bring the chili to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Allow the chili to simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally until all the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together. You can use this cooking timer to keep track.

Enjoying Your Hearty Harvest Chili

Once the Hearty Harvest Chili is ready, serve it hot. Consider garnishing each bowl with shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, sliced jalapeños, or chopped fresh cilantro for added flavor. Pair it with a side of crusty bread or cornbread for a complete and satisfying meal. This dish is perfect for sharing with family or friends and can be easily adjusted to suit larger gatherings. Enjoy its rich, comforting taste on a chilly day!