Better with Beans

Recipe:

Chorizo and Black Bean Chili

This is the season for hearty and flavourful pots of chili. Everyone loves chili. And the beautiful thing is there are so many ways to make a delicious chili. Some recipes use ground beef, others have cubes of beef that fall apart with the nudge of a fork. There are turkey and chicken chilis, often with white beans substituted for traditional kidney beans. There are chilis made entirely of beans and vegetables, no meat anywhere near it. I love all of these variations, and today I’m sharing my new favourite with you, Chorizo and Black Bean Chili.

Fresh Chorizo, or Mexican Chorizo, and black beans have a long history of sharing the same pot with incredibly delicious results. Soups, tortas, and chilis have all benefited from their friendly association. The mild and creamy black beans absorb all of the wonderful flavour from the sausage meat, vegetables and seasonings. Beans of all kinds are a pantry staple, and I’m a huge fan of their affordability, nutritional excellence and versatility in so many recipes. Plus, what I love about using Chorizo sausage is that it’s already loaded with so much flavour thanks to the herbs and spices used to make it. And, if you know me you know I love to add in as many
vegetables as I can to hearty soups, stews and chilis. This recipe is no exception. Sweet potato,red peppers, kale and corn are favourtie add-ins to my chili, but you likely have other vegetable go-to’s as well. Feel free to substitute as you like, but I think you’ll love what I’ve done here too. I like to put all of the garnishes in the centre of the table and let each person customize their bowl of chili as they see fit. Basically, gimme all the cheddar and tortilla chips!

I like to have a large pot of this Chorizo and Black Bean Chili simmering on the stove during the cold winter months, as it’s almost like a hug from the inside out. Loaded with gorgeous flavours, creamy black beans, and vegetables, this is a nutritious and delicious meal that’s sure to become a family favourite recipe.

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Recipe:

Sheet Pan White Beans, Gnocchi, and Vegetables

This is a protein and fibre-packed meal that not only comes together quickly but tastes delicious. Crispy roasted broccoli and juicy tomatoes add loads of flavour to the gnocchi and white beans. Just serve with grated Parmesan cheese and an extra drizzle of olive oil for a simple yet satisfying weeknight meal.

Recipe:

Cavatelli Pasta with Cannellini Beans and Tomatoes

Cavatelli pasta with Cannellini beans and tomatoes is a lovely dish with loads of flavor and nutrition. The sweetness of the tomatoes plays beautifully with the cannellini beans, basil, and garlic, adding in the comfort of the pasta, and that rich acidity of the Pecorino, and you have one winner of a Fall dish!

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Recipe:

Black Bean and Rice Stuffed Peppers

These black bean and rice stuffed peppers are a vegetarian spin on a classic. Sweet bell peppers are stuffed with a hearty and healthy black bean, tomato and rice filling and topped with cheddar cheese. This meal is ready in under an hour and a great make-ahead dish that also freezes well.

Recipe:

Butternut Squash and White Bean Pasta

The perfect fall pasta sauce features roasted butternut squash, fresh rosemary, garlic and onions pureed with white kidney beans. You’ll love this creamy and luxurious fall pasta recipe, that also happens to be vegan.