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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- Preparation: Heat a large pot over medium-high heat, coating the bottom with oil until it glistens and ripples with warmth.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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