Smoky Black Bean Butternut Squash Stew Recipe: Cozy Comfort

Steaming bowls of comfort await with this hearty black bean butternut squash stew that blends rich, earthy flavors from traditional Latin American cuisine.

Robust spices dance through tender chunks of golden butternut squash and creamy black beans, creating a vibrant meal perfect for chilly evenings.

Every spoonful carries depth and warmth, telling a story of slow-simmered ingredients melding together seamlessly.

Nutrition and satisfaction combine in this one-pot wonder that turns simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

The stew velvety texture and complex flavor profile make it a standout dish for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Warm up your kitchen and your soul with this comforting, nourishing recipe that promises to become a new favorite in your culinary rotation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 5

What’s in Black Bean Butternut Squash Stew

• Onions: Provide a sweet, foundational flavor that creates depth in the stew.
• Bell Peppers: Add vibrant color and crisp texture with a gentle pepper warmth.
• Garlic: Delivers a robust, pungent essence that elevates the entire dish's complexity.
• Green Onions: Introduce a mild, fresh onion note with delicate green brightness.

• Black Beans: Deliver rich, protein-packed substance with creamy earthiness.
• Butternut Squash: Brings sweet, nutty characteristics and velvety smooth texture.
• Leafy Greens: Contribute nutritional boost with tender, slightly peppery undertones.

• Coconut Milk: Creates silky, luxurious base with subtle tropical undertones.
• Vegetable Broth: Provides savory liquid foundation with gentle vegetable essence.
• Bouillon Cube: Intensifies overall umami and deepens flavor profile.
• Italian Seasoning: Blends herbal Mediterranean notes for aromatic complexity.
• Thyme: Offers delicate, earthy herbaceous character.
• Allspice: Introduces warm, slightly peppery undertone with hints of cinnamon.
• Cayenne Pepper: Adds gentle heat and vibrant spiciness.
• Avocado: Delivers creamy, rich garnish with healthy fat complement.
• Brown Rice: Provides wholesome, nutty base for serving.

Soup Tools to Simmer the Stew

• Large pot: Essential for cooking the stew with ample space for ingredients.
• Cutting board: Needed for chopping onions, bell peppers, and green onions.
• Chef's knife: Sharp tool for precise vegetable cutting.
• Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring ingredients and preventing sticking.
• Measuring spoons: Helps accurately add seasonings like Italian seasoning and thyme.
• Measuring cup: Useful for measuring coconut milk and vegetable broth.
• Can opener: Required for opening black beans can.

Cooking Guide for Black Bean Squash Stew

• Sautéed Foundation

Start by heating oil in a large pot, creating a warm base for your flavor journey. Gently sauté onions and bell peppers until they become soft and translucent, releasing their sweet aromas.

• Aromatic Awakening

Add minced garlic and chopped green onions, letting them dance in the pot and infuse the mixture with their vibrant essence.

• Hearty Fusion

Introduce cubed butternut squash and black beans to the pot, sprinkling in Italian seasoning and thyme to create a rich tapestry of flavors.

• Liquid Magic

Pour in creamy coconut milk and vegetable broth, adding a touch of allspice and cayenne for depth and gentle heat. Let the stew simmer and bubble, transforming ingredients into a harmonious blend.

• Green Finale

In the last moments, fold in leafy greens, allowing them to wilt and add a fresh, nutritious layer to the dish.

• Serving Celebration

Ladle the stew over warm brown rice and crown with slices of creamy avocado, creating a colorful and satisfying meal that nourishes both body and soul.

Flavorful Twists for the Stew

• Swap butternut squash with pumpkin, sweet potatoes, or carrots for different flavor profiles and seasonal adaptations.
• Experiment with chipotle powder, smoked paprika, or fresh jalapeños to add extra heat and complexity to the stew's base flavor.
• Prepare the stew in advance and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, allowing flavors to meld and intensify overnight.
• Add shredded chicken, tofu cubes, or tempeh for a heartier protein-packed version that transforms the stew into a complete meal.
• Top with crispy tortilla strips, toasted pumpkin seeds, fresh cilantro, or a dollop of Greek yogurt to enhance texture and provide a delightful visual appeal.

How to Serve This Hearty Stew

• Cozy Winter Comfort: Pair this hearty stew with warm, crusty bread to soak up the rich, flavorful broth and add a delightful texture contrast.
• Protein Power Bowl: Layer the stew over quinoa or brown rice, then top with extra sliced avocado and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a nutritious, filling meal.
• Spice Level Customization: Set out small bowls of additional cayenne, hot sauce, or chopped jalapeños so each person can adjust the heat to their personal preference.
• Fresh Brightness Boost: Garnish with a quick squeeze of lime juice and some chopped fresh herbs like parsley or green onions to add a zesty, vibrant finish to the stew.

Storing Stew for Meals

• Batch Cooking Magic: Transform this hearty stew into multiple meals by preparing double the recipe. Store extra portions in airtight containers for quick weeknight dinners.
• Refrigerator Lifespan: Safely store your stew in sealed containers for 4-5 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making each subsequent meal even more delicious.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Cool the stew completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. These portions can stay fresh for up to 3 months, providing convenient future meals.
• Reheating Wisdom: Thaw frozen stew in the refrigerator overnight. Warm gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of vegetable broth to maintain moisture and restore the original creamy texture.

Hearty Black Bean Butternut Squash Stew

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4.7 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Hearty black bean butternut squash stew combines Mexican flavors with robust seasonal ingredients. Winter comfort arrives with spicy, complex layers that warm souls and satisfy deep hunger.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups butternut squash, peeled and cut into ½ inch cubes
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• ½ medium red bell pepper, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1 cup tender collard greens, kale, or spinach, chopped (optional)
• 1 tbsp coconut oil
• 1 vegan bouillon (Edward & Son’s Not-Chick’n Bouillon Cubes)
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• 2 sprigs thyme
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 pinch of allspice (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Heat a large pot over medium-high heat, coating the bottom with oil until it glistens and ripples with warmth.
2. Aromatic Foundation: Sauté diced onions and bell peppers until the onions turn translucent and edges become golden, releasing their sweet, caramelized essence. Add minced garlic and green onions, stirring rapidly to activate their intense flavors without scorching.
3. Ingredient Layering: Introduce cubed butternut squash, black beans, Italian seasoning, and thyme, tossing thoroughly to ensure each ingredient is evenly distributed and coated with the fragrant oil.
4. Liquid Integration: Pour coconut milk, vegetable broth, bouillon cube, allspice, and cayenne pepper into the pot, creating a rich, complex liquid base that will transform the ingredients into a harmonious stew.
5. Simmering Stage: Bring the mixture to a robust boil, then immediately reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Allow the stew to bubble softly, melding flavors and tenderizing the squash for approximately 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. Final Touch: Fold in leafy greens during the last 3-4 minutes of cooking, letting them wilt and brighten while adding a fresh, nutritious element to the stew.
7. Serving: Ladle the steaming stew into deep bowls, garnishing with brown rice and creamy avocado slices to complete this nourishing, flavor-packed meal.

Notes

• Maximize Flavor Potential: Toast spices briefly before adding liquids to unlock deeper, more complex taste profiles and enhance overall depth.
• Squash Selection Matters: Choose firm, unblemished butternut squash with smooth skin for optimal texture and sweetness in the stew.
• Liquid Consistency Control: Adjust vegetable broth quantity based on desired thickness – add more for a thinner consistency or reduce for a heartier stew.
• Quick Greens Technique: Add leafy greens at the very end of cooking to preserve their vibrant color, nutrients, and delicate texture, preventing wilting and discoloration.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 8g
• Protein: 7g
• Cholesterol: 0mg