Dinner: Zucchini Chili

This recipe includes superfoods such as:

Spinach, Brown Rice

Health benefits of Zucchini Chili

Spinach is a nutrient-dense leafy green vegetable that is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron, magnesium, and antioxidants. The high iron content in spinach helps combat anemia, which is common in women with PCOS. Magnesium helps reduce inflammation and improve insulin sensitivity. The antioxidants in spinach can help lower oxidative stress, which is beneficial for managing PCOS symptoms. Including spinach in your diet can support overall health and well-being. Brown rice is a natural source of Inositol, a derivative of Vitamin B (which is often prescribed in the form of supplements for women with PCOS). Inositol can effectively control the symptoms of PCOS by reducing insulin resistance and improving insulin sensitivity.

Ingredients

4 poblano peppers
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 1/2 pounds firm small to medium-size zucchini, chopped into small dice
2 onions, chopped into small dice
3 to 4 cloves garlic, chopped
1 red or green hot chile pepper, chopped or thinly sliced
1 tablespoon cumin, palmful
1 tablespoon coriander, palmful
A few sprigs fresh thyme, chopped
1 teaspoon dried oregano or marjoram, 1/3 palmful
1/4 cup tomato paste
1 (12-ounce) bottle beer (recommended: Negra Modela)
1 (15-ounce) can black beans
2 cups chicken or vegetable stock
1 tablespoon butter
1 cup long grain white or light brown rice
2 cups baby spinach
1/2 cup loosely packed fresh cilantro leaves, optional
Toppers to choose from: crushed tortillas or warm soft tortillas, sour cream, shredded cheeses, scallions or finely chopped onions, lime wedges

Instructions

Char the skins of the poblano chiles by placing them over a gas burner or under a hot broiler with the oven door slightly cracked. Turn the chiles until the skins are black. Remove and cool the chiles in a tightly covered bowl, then peel and finely chop or process into coarse puree in food processor. Heat extra-virgin olive oil over medium-high heat and add zucchini, onions, garlic, hot pepper, cumin, coriander, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper, stir frequently for 10 minutes. Add in the tomato paste, and stir 1 minute more. Deglaze the pan with beer, stir in poblanos and beans and about half of the stock, bring to a bubble then reduce heat and simmer 10 to 15 minutes to combine flavors. Cool completely, cover and store for make-ahead meal. Reheat over medium heat. While the chili reheats make the rice. Melt the butter in a saucepot over medium heat and add the rice, toast a minute or 2, then stir in 1 1/2 cups stock, bring to a boil, reduce the heat and cook covered, over low heat 15 minutes. To food processor, add the spinach, cilantro, if using, and a little salt, and pulse into a fine paste. Stir the paste into the rice after 15 minutes. Turn off the heat, cover the pot and let the rice stand another 5 to 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork and serve in shallow bowls with zucchini chili and toppings of choice to garnish.

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