Nicoya, Costa Rica is a Blue Zone which means there is a high number of centenarians (people living to 100 years old). One key component of their longevity is their diet. Nicoyan centenarians eat a traditional Mesoamerican diet highlighted with the “three sisters” of agriculture: squash, corn, and beans which inspired this soup.
Ingredients
4 cups of cooked black beans or 2 cans of black beans, drained and rinsed
12 oz package frozen corn
1 acorn squash or squash of preference (skin peeled away, seeds removed and cubed)
1 small onion, diced (1 used red onion)
6 cloves garlic (minced)
5-6 cups of veggie broth
1 ½ teaspoons of cumin
1 teaspoon of coriander
1 teaspoon of oregano
½ teaspoon of cayenne
1 teaspoon of salt
Pepper to taste
Optional Toppings:
Avocado
Cilantro
Red Pepper Flakes
Preparation
Add all the ingredients, minus the salt and pepper to a crock pot and cook on high for 2-3 hours, until squash is softened. Take out 3 cups of the stew and add to a blender. Blend until smooth. Add back into the crock pot along with salt and pepper. Stir and serve.
Recipe Origin: