Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Coconut Chili

INGREDIENTS

small onion, peeled and finely chopped

stalks of celery, chopped

carrots, peeled and chopped

medium apples, peeled and diced

2 cups

peeled + diced butternut squash

4 cloves

garlic, peeled and finely minced (or 1 tsp of garlic powder)

medium can of black beans, drained + rinsed

medium can of chickpeas, drained + rinsed

1 can

low-fat coconut milk

2 tsp

chili powder

1 tbsp

ground cumin

1 tsp

dried oregano

2 cups

vegetable broth

2 tbsp

tomato paste

salt and pepper

cooked basmati rice (optional)

chopped fresh cilantro, parsley or chives (for garnish)

shredded unsweetened coconut (for garnish)