Scarlet Runner Bean Chili: A Taste of Appalachian Autumn with a Side of Hoecake As the leaves blaze in their final glory and a crispness fills the air, there’s nothing quite like a hearty bowl of chili to warm you from the inside out. But this isn’t just any chili; this is Scarlet Runner Bean Chili, a celebration of the seasonal harvest and a nod to the rich culinary traditions of Appalachia. This recipe utilizes the beautiful and prolific Scarlet Runner Beans, offering a rich, earthy flavor you won't forget. We’ll be pairing it with a simple, yet satisfying side: Hoecake, a traditional cornbread cooked on a griddle, adding a touch of rustic charm to your homestead meal. !(https://auth.promptmarketer.com/storage/v1/object/public/generated-content/images/af6e4e54-5d3c-494e-9ed9-78723fad2f4e/retrieved_image_1_2025-09-19T13-39-56-284Z_bkkfvubk3.jpg) ### Ingredients: * 2 cups dried Scarlet Runner Beans, soaked overnight * 1 tablespoon olive oil * 1 large onion, chopped * 2 cloves garlic, minced * 1 red bell pepper, chopped * 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced (optional) * 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes * 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce * 2 tablespoons chili powder * 1 teaspoon cumin * ½ teaspoon smoked paprika * Salt and pepper to taste * Optional toppings: sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped cilantro !(https://auth.promptmarketer.com/storage/v1/object/public/generated-content/images/af6e4e54-5d3c-494e-9ed9-78723fad2f4e/retrieved_image_2_2025-09-19T13-39-56-618Z_d43cp7eyp.jpg) ### Instructions: 1. Drain and rinse the soaked Scarlet Runner Beans. !(https://auth.promptmarketer.com/storage/v1/object/public/generated-content/images/af6e4e54-5d3c-494e-9ed9-78723fad2f4e/retrieved_image_3_2025-09-19T13-39-56-957Z_99vppdmrw.jpg) 2. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic, bell pepper, and jalapeño (if using) and cook for another 3 minutes. 3. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Season with salt and pepper to taste. !(https://auth.promptmarketer.com/storage/v1/object/public/generated-content/images/af6e4e54-5d3c-494e-9ed9-78723fad2f4e/retrieved_image_4_2025-09-19T13-39-57-412Z_7oyvaa8lk.jpg) 4. Add the soaked Scarlet Runner Beans and 6 cups of water or vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for at least 2 hours, or until the beans are tender. Stir occasionally, adding more liquid if needed. !(https://auth.promptmarketer.com/storage/v1/object/public/generated-content/images/af6e4e54-5d3c-494e-9ed9-78723fad2f4e/retrieved_image_5_2025-09-19T13-39-57-690Z_jz5ttb3a4.jpg) 5. Serve hot with your favorite toppings. !(https://auth.promptmarketer.com/storage/v1/object/public/generated-content/images/af6e4e54-5d3c-494e-9ed9-78723fad2f4e/retrieved_image_6_2025-09-19T13-39-58-258Z_fu6rm6pdk.jpg) ### Hoecake: A Cornbread Classic: My grandmother always made Hoecake on her wood-burning stove, using a simple iron skillet. The crispy edges and slightly sweet flavor were the perfect complement to any hearty meal. ### Hoecake Recipe: * 1 cup cornmeal (stone-ground preferred) * ½ teaspoon salt * 1 cup boiling water * 1 tablespoon butter or bacon grease ### Instructions: 1. In a bowl, mix the cornmeal and salt. !(https://auth.promptmarketer.com/storage/v1/object/public/generated-content/images/af6e4e54-5d3c-494e-9ed9-78723fad2f4e/retrieved_image_7_2025-09-19T13-39-58-492Z_fun2msfg8.jpg) 2. Pour the boiling water over the cornmeal and stir until well combined. 3. Heat a lightly oiled griddle or skillet over medium heat. 4. Drop spoonfuls of batter onto the hot griddle and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown. !(https://auth.promptmarketer.com/storage/v1/object/public/generated-content/images/af6e4e54-5d3c-494e-9ed9-78723fad2f4e/retrieved_image_8_2025-09-19T13-39-58-981Z_7htqnjt1m.jpg) 5. Serve hot with butter or your favorite spread. ### Saving Seeds for Next Year’s Bounty: Scarlet Runner Beans are not only delicious but also beautiful, making them a wonderful addition to any garden. As the growing season winds down, don’t forget to save your Scarlet Runner Bean seeds! Allow the pods to dry completely on the vine. Once dry, shell the beans and store them in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. You can easily build a simple bean dryer using repurposed window screens. Simply lay the beans in their pods on the screens and allow them to air dry in a well-ventilated area. !(https://auth.promptmarketer.com/storage/v1/object/public/generated-content/images/af6e4e54-5d3c-494e-9ed9-78723fad2f4e/retrieved_image_9_2025-09-19T13-39-59-322Z_g9c2udx9r.jpg) ### DIY Pomona Bean Thresher: Separating beans by hand is a labor of love, but it can be time-consuming. That’s where the Pomona Bean Thresher comes in! For a more efficient way to separate the bean seeds from the pods, consider building a Pomona Bean Thresher. This hand-operated device makes quick work of threshing beans, saving you time and effort. Plans can be found online with a quick search or at sustainable agriculture websites like Practical Plants: (https://practicalplants.org/wiki/Bean_threshing_machines_DIY). !(https://auth.promptmarketer.com/storage/v1/object/public/generated-content/images/af6e4e54-5d3c-494e-9ed9-78723fad2f4e/retrieved_image_10_2025-09-19T13-39-59-967Z_4cthp1z4k.jpg) ### Closing Reflection: As we savor this delicious Scarlet Runner Bean Chili and crispy Hoecake, let’s take a moment to appreciate the bounty of the season and the simple pleasures of homegrown food. Now is the perfect time to start saving seeds for next year's garden, ensuring a continued harvest of delicious and nutritious food. Share your favorite heirloom bean varieties with us in the comments below! What are you harvesting this fall? Keywords: organic gardening, seasonal harvest, homegrown, compost, sustainable home, cozy living, backyard projects, farmhouse life, Scarlet Runner Beans, Appalachian cuisine, Hoecake, bean drying, Pomona bean thresher, seed saving, heirloom beans