Skip to content 
Summertime Chili, made with garden fresh zucchini, summer squash, sweet corn and beans! A high protein and high fiber vegan meal!
Not only is this recipe packed with protein and fiber, but it brings a little heat thanks to cayenne pepper! According to The University of Maryland Medical Center, cayenne pepper can be traced back 9,000 years where Native Americans used cayenne pepper not only for flavor, but for medicinal purposes as well. The healing qualities of cayenne come from a compound called capsaicin. This powerful compound is recognized as an anti inflammatory, pain reliever, digestive aid and has been proven to improve cardiovascular health. Many use capsaicin applied topically in a cream to alleviate arthritis. Did I mention capsaicin may also suppress appetite?!?
Nutritionally speaking cayenne pepper is bursting with antioxidants, beta carotene, vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin C and vitamin K all of which help boost immunity!
This recipe makes a lot, so you can take leftovers for lunch the next day or freeze for another time! The combination of fiber and protein will keep you full for longer and stabilize blood sugar preventing cravings. My favorite way to eat chili is on top of a baked sweet potato, try it out!
Recipe inspired by Allrecipes.com
Summertime Chili
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 cup white onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 carrots chopped
- 1 stalk celery chopped
- 1 cup zucchini chopped
- 1 cup summer squash chopped
- ½ red bell pepper chopped
- 1½ tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ⅛-1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 3 cups crushed tomatoes
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can black beans drained and rinsed
- 1 can kidney beans drained and rinsed
- ½ cup frozen corn
Instructions
- Add olive oil to a Dutch oven or large saucepan and heat over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until translucent, stirring occasionally. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add carrots, celery, zucchini, summer squash and bell pepper, sauté until tender.
- Add seasonings, crushed tomatoes and broth. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to low.
- Add beans, partially cover with lid and simmer for 30-45 minutes.
- Stir in corn, taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Serve with favorite toppings and enjoy 🙂
Notes
- Serve with a wedge of lime
- Top with avocado
- Serve on top of a baked sweet potato or bed of fluffy quinoa
- Sprinkle with hemp seeds for an extra dose of protein
- Add chipotle pepper for a smokey flavor
- Use chickpeas in place of black beans or kidney beans
- Add roasted butternut squash
- Spice it up with a few drops of your favorite hot sauce
- Add fresh cilantro or chopped scallions
- Serve with soft corn tortillas or crispy chips
Nutrition
- Halloween Jokes For The Whole Family - 30 October 2024
- Vegan High-Protein Snacks: 10 Delicious Fuel Ideas for Your Day - 28 October 2024
- Eating Dates During Pregnancy Might Be the Sweetest Thing You Can Do for Yourself - 26 October 2024
