Chili has quickly become a staple recipe since I started living in Boston, Massachusetts. Being a Florida native, I never knew what it was like to need a steaming bowl of soup or stew to defrost my insides. Since I am currently experiencing the coldest part of the winter season, my slow cooker has been working in overdrive to make some of my favorite winter recipes. 

I love chili. It is truly a one pot dish that incorporates all the aspects of a balanced meal. However, as a practicing paleo eater, I do not consume legumes. At first this was a part of the diet that I sort of ignored, but having removed them from my diet more recently, I find that my general stomach comfort has been vastly improved. 

Since chili typically has several varieties of beans, I needed a way to replace them in my recipe. No winter season is complete without at least one pot of chili. So, for those who have trouble digesting legumes, want to remove them from their diet, or just don't like them, this recipe is for you.  

Legume Free Chili

  • Prep Time:20 mins
  • Cook Time:8 hrs
  • Total Time:8 hrs 20 mins
  • Servings:5
  • Easy

    Ingredients

  • 2 pounds ground turkey or beef
  • 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil
  • 3-4 cloves garlic
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1/2 tablespoon cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon oregano
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 2 teaspoons pepper
  • 1 teaspoon chipotle powder optional
  • 2 cups butternut squash
  • 4 carrots
  • 1 large onion
pepper, beef, vegetable, meat, tomato, sauce, chili
Haley Abram

  • Step 1

    Peel, remove seeds, and dice the butternut squash into cubes.

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    By Haley Abram

  • Step 2

    Peel and dice the onion.

    garlic, onion, vegetable
    By Haley Abram

  • Step 3

    Peel and chop the carrots.

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    By Haley Abram

  • Step 4

    Peel and smash the garlic with he side of your knife.

    garlic, vegetable
    By Haley Abram

  • Step 5

    Pour the tomatoes into the Crock Pot along with coconut oil, salt, pepper, dried herbs and spices.

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    By Haley Abram

  • Step 6

    Mix in the smashed garlic, onions, butternut squash, carrots and meat. Stir well to combine.

    sauce, pepper, chili, meat, beef, vegetable
    By Haley Abram

  • Step 7

    Cook on low for 6-8 hours.

    pepper, beef, vegetable, meat, tomato, sauce, chili
    Haley Abram