Description
A hearty and wholesome Slow Cooker Butternut Squash and Farro Chili that combines the natural sweetness of butternut squash with nutritious farro, beans, and a flavorful blend of spices. Perfect for a comforting and healthy meal prepared effortlessly in a slow cooker.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 2 lbs butternut squash, peeled and diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
Beans and Grains
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained
- 1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans, drained
- 1 cup farro, rinsed
Liquids and Canned Goods
- 2 (15 oz) cans diced tomatoes
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 1/2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
Spices
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients: Peel and dice the butternut squash, chop the onion and bell pepper, and mince the garlic cloves to get all the fresh components ready for cooking.
- Combine ingredients in slow cooker: In a 6-quart slow cooker, place the diced butternut squash, chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic along with the rinsed farro, black beans, cannellini beans, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and low-sodium vegetable broth.
- Add seasonings: Sprinkle in chili powder, cinnamon, cumin, salt, and black pepper over the ingredients in the slow cooker, ensuring the spices are evenly distributed for balanced flavor.
- Cook the chili: Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 8 hours until the squash is tender and farro is cooked through, creating a rich and hearty chili.
- Serve: Spoon the chili into bowls and add your favorite toppings such as avocado, cilantro, or cheese if desired. Enjoy this warm and nutritious meal!
Notes
- Rinsing the farro before adding to the slow cooker helps remove any dust and prevents it from sticking together.
- You can adjust the chili powder to your preferred spice level if you like it hotter or milder.
- For a thicker chili, cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes to reduce excess liquid.
- Optional toppings such as sour cream, shredded cheese, or fresh herbs can enhance the flavor.
- This recipe can be easily made vegan by ensuring the vegetable broth used is vegan certified.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 1 1/2 cups)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 3 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 12 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
