Vegetarian - Three Sisters Chili

I like to cook new things. The other night I made this for my husband, while the rest of us had pan fried haddock. What is the three sisters? “Three Sisters” a Native American agricultural tradition of planting beans, squash, and corn together.

The recipe serves 8-10 people.

Three Sisters Chili

1 small butternut squash, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch chunks

1 T olive oil

1 medium onion, chopped

1/2 cup chopped celery

2 garlic cloves, minced

6 oz tomato paste

3 T mild chili - I used chili 9000

1 t dried oregano 

1/2 t dried basil

salt and pepper

28 oz canned diced tomatoes

2 cups of tomato juice

2 cups fresh or frozen corn

3 cups cooked pinto beans

Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add squash, onions, celery and garlic. Cover and cook for 10 minutes. Then add tomato paste, chili powder, oregano, basil, salt and pepper. Stir. Add tomatoes and tomatoe juice. Bring to a boil. Lower the heat, and simmer covered for 20 minutes. Add corn and pinto beans and simmer 20 minutes. Stir. Taste.