Fall is in the air, and this Chorizo Chili with Roasted Tomatoes and Squash incorporates the harvest flavours into a delicious hearty meal.
Did you have a great summer? Unfortunately, we did not. It was the worst summer weather that I can remember. Not many days of “no rain” in a row. We tried to enjoy it when we could. The complete opposite of last summer.
Now that fall is just around the corner (September 22nd to be exact), this week the weather is FANTASTIC! Sunny and warm every day. I am out hiking as much as possible right now. Enjoying the last few days of Indian summer.
The beginning of summer, the farmers really had it tough. With so much rain, getting the crops into the ground was a challenge. I know of some that didn’t even plant this year. We will see how this affects the price of fresh produce in the grocery stores this winter.
Reaping the Harvest
If you have a Farmer’s Market near you, now is the time to scoop up some great produce. Comfort food season is coming! Soups, stews, and chilis will be a staple in our house during the cold months of winter. Grab those fresh bushel baskets of produce while you can. One of my favourtie things to make this time of year is my Simple Roasted Tomato Recipe. Perfect to use all year long in your delicious recipes.
I am NOT a winter person. I know you would think being Canadian I would love the cold. Nope, not me. My usual winter activity is hibernation. Most times you don’t see me out in the cold, unless of course I have to go shopping (or watch the grandkids). I can’t cook if I don’t shop, so weathering the cold doesn’t stop me from getting supplies, and a few other things since I am out and about. Might be days before you see me again LOL!
This year hubby and I have decided to try to embrace the winter months. We are going to give “snow shoeing” a try. In fact, today we are going to go to the MEC store and check out some gear. Guess you really can teach an old dog new tricks. I’m referring to my hubby of course, but don’t tell him I said that (haha).
Fall Flavours
I may not like the winter weather, but I do LOVE the flavours of fall. Pumpkin everything works for me. Apple season is just about here. Last year I made Incredible 3 Way Apple Soup. What a fun way to enjoy the seasonal flavours. Do you go apple picking?
Comfort food season is one of my favourite times of the year. All the great soups, chilis, and stews are so hearty. You can whip up HUGE batches, making leftovers for other meals during the week, or stocking your freezer for meals down the road. Months of easy cooking with delicious bowls of goodness works for me.
This is where you can experiment. Use your pressure cooker, crockpot, or slow braise on the stovetop or in the oven. However you choose to cook, your family will welcome the end results. Have you ever made blender soup? OMG so easy, and this Easy Roasted Pumpkin Soup will have your family thinking you cooked all day.
Chili is always a favourite in our house. If you are like us, you need to make cornbread too. Most times I will use canned tomatoes, but if you really want some intense flavour, make some Simple Slow Roasted Tomatoes. This is the season to stock your freezer, they can be used in so many ways. Pasta sauce gets raised to a whole new level when you make it with roasted tomatoes. You will be surprised how much a bushel of tomatoes will make.
For this chorizo chili recipe I combined some roasted tomatoes with chorizo and butternut squash. Add a can of white kidney beans, some poblano peppers for a little kick, and dinner is cooking.
Go ahead and use different meat (even no meat). Switch up the beans, choose a different squash (even sub in sweet potatoes). However you mix and match, it’s pretty hard to mess up a chili.
This makes a nice big batch. I did manage to tuck some away in the freezer, although it was so good we wanted to eat all of it! I can say this winter after a cold day snow shoeing, this Chorizo Chili with Roasted Tomatoes and Squash will be a warm welcome….along with a glass of wine.
What is your favourite comfort food?
Chorizo Chili with Roasted Tomatoes and Squash
Ingredients
- 8 cups fresh Roma tomatoes (roughly cut)
- 4 cups butternut squash (cubed)
- 1 1/2 pounds chorizo sausage (fresh not cured)
- 1 poblano pepper (seeded and diced)
- 1 onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 19 ounces white kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 1/2 tsp jalapeno flavoured olive oil
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for roasting tomatoes)
- 1 tsp cumin (or to taste)
- 1/2 tsp chipotle chili powder (or to taste)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- lime and cilantro (for garnish)
Instructions
For the Roasted Tomatoes:
- Preheat oven to 400º F. Wash and 1/4 cut tomatoes. Place in a large baking dish. Coat with oil, and season with salt and pepper.
- Roast for approximately 50 minutes, turning every so often. When they are done, let cool slightly and blitz in blender to break them up.
While tomatoes are roasting:
- In a heavy bottomed pot, heat the olive oil. Add the diced onion and garlic. Cook for about 10 minutes. While this is cooking cut up the sausage.
- Add the sausage to the onion/garlic mixture. Cook for 20 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the pot.
- Add the diced squash and jalapeno oil. Cook for 15 minutes.
- Add the roasted/blitzed tomatoes and beans. Season with salt and pepper.
- Reduce heat to medium/low, cover and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Ladle into bowls. Garnish with a squeeze of lime and cilantro.
- ENJOY!
Nutrition Information
Notes
Monica | Nourish & Fete
We’ve had really nice weather as soon as fall “officially” arrived, as well. How ironic! This looks fantastic, I’ve been on a big chorizo kick lately, so this looks extra tempting to me! What a terrific flavor combination.
Homemade & Yummy
Yes chorizo works so well for this recipe.
Julie
Maybe chorizo is how I can finally get my husband to eat squash, haha!
Homemade & Yummy
Well the two go great in this dish…give is a shot…he might be surprized!!
Christine
Looks delicious! Such a creative and fun idea to use chorizo in chili. Perfect for the upcoming cooler temps and fall!
Homemade & Yummy
Yes we will be making this again for sure.
Kimberly @ Berly's Kitchen
This is a wonderful, cold weather chili. We’re in Florida, so it doesn’t get “cold” here. We don’t make heavy, hearty meals too often, but when we do, it’s usually chili, stew, or soup. This sounds like a great one to try, especially with the chorizo. Yum!
Homemade & Yummy
Yes the chorizo really adds a lot of flavour…and so do the roasted tomatoes.
Donna
Oh no your summer sounds horrible! We had the total opposite, and I can’t wait for some rain as we haven’t had a drop in months. This chili looks just delicious, love the harvest flavors!
Homemade & Yummy
Summer WAS horrible….and now that Fall is officially here….we have had record breaking temperatures…even hotter than hot summer days. Go figure!!!!
Gunjan
This bowl is loaded with the goodness of fall ingredients. Looks so delicious and comforting.
Homemade & Yummy
It sure is full of flavour and a nice kick of heat too.
Marisa Franca @ All Our Way
I’ve never made chili using chorizo but there’s always a first time. I believe the spiciness of the meat would really compliment the sweetness of the butternut squash. Roasting the Roma tomatoes first enhances their flavor and makes the chili even richer and heartier. YUM. I hate winter but I look forward to the soups and stews!! Great recipe, Gloria!
Homemade & Yummy
Thanks so much. Yes I totally agree the roasted tomatoes add so much flavour…my freezer always has a great supply.
Abby @ WinsteadWandering
This recipe is such a fun, fresh take on regular chili. I’d love to get my hands on some if the weather ever turns cool.
Homemade & Yummy
We have had a heat wave this last week…and for the next few days. We will for sure be eating more of this when the weather cools down.
Kate
I love the flavors of fall, too! I just bought my first winter squash of the season and I am so excited!
Homemade & Yummy
Yes fall flavours are so good. ENJOY!!
mira
This looks amazing! Can’t wait to try it!
Homemade & Yummy
Hope you do. Let me know how you like it.
Jenni
This is seriously the perfect fall chili! Love the fact that you used chorizo! I bet its awesome!
Homemade & Yummy
It works really well in this recipe. Hope you give it a try.
Krissy Allori
Talk about the ultimate fall comfort food!
Homemade & Yummy
Yes is does have the flavours of the season in this tasty dish.
Megan @ Megunprocessed
Love the fall recipes!
Homemade & Yummy
Me too….comfort food season is so delicious.
Andrea
Oh man this looks amazing. I would totally love this for football sunday and to eat with paleo tortillas. I bet it gets better each day you warm it up again.
Homemade & Yummy
Yes it gets better the next day or two for sure.
Luci
So tasty. Perfect for the up coming cooler months.
Homemade & Yummy
Yes it is a comfort food winner for sure.