Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil (or other high-heat oil)
- 1 yellow onion (diced)
- 1/2 bunch chopped cilantro (stems and leaves divided)
- 1 red bell pepper (diced)
- 2 large jalapeños (deseeded and finely diced)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups navy beans (cooked and rinsed)
- 3 1/2 cups butternut squash (diced into 1/2” cubes)
- 3 1/2 cups vegan “chicken” broth (or vegetable broth)
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Toast the Nutritional Yeast (Optional): Warm a large pot over medium heat, add the nutritional yeast, and stir frequently for 3 to 5 minutes until it darkens and becomes fragrant. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Warm the avocado oil in the same pot. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3 minutes until translucent and slightly browned. Then add cilantro stems, red bell pepper, diced jalapeños, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and the toasted nutritional yeast. Cook for another 3 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Simmer the Chili: Add the cooked navy beans, diced butternut squash, and vegan chicken broth to the pot. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium heat and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to help break down the ingredients.
- Season and Serve: Remove the pot from heat, adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed. Serve the chili in bowls garnished with chopped cilantro leaves and any preferred toppings. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
Notes
- Toasting nutritional yeast adds a deeper, nuttier flavor to the chili but can be skipped if short on time.
- Deseed jalapeños to reduce heat if a milder chili is preferred.
- Use vegan chicken broth or vegetable broth depending on preference or availability.
- Stirring occasionally during simmering helps prevent burning and encourages flavors to meld.
- This chili freezes well and can be stored in airtight containers for up to two months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
