Description
Hearty Vegetarian White Chili delivers comfort in a bowl, blending rich southwestern flavors with protein-packed beans and warming spices. Creamy, zesty, and satisfying, this plant-based dish invites you to savor a soul-warming meal that celebrates meatless magic.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein and Base:
- 2 (15 ounces / 425 grams) cans white beans (such as cannellini or Great Northern), drained and rinsed
- 1 cup frozen or fresh corn
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 jalapeno, diced (optional, for heat)
- 1 (4 ounces / 113 grams) can diced green chilies
Spices, Seasonings, and Toppings:
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- ½ cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt (for creaminess)
- Juice of 1 lime
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Sliced avocado
- Shredded cheese
- Tortilla chips or strips
- Extra lime wedges
Instructions
- Awaken the aromatics by gently sautéing finely chopped onions, minced garlic, and diced jalapeños in a shimmering pool of olive oil. Allow the vegetables to soften and release their vibrant essence, transforming the pot into a fragrant canvas of flavor.
- Introduce a symphony of spices – cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper – letting them dance and bloom for a fleeting moment to intensify their aromatic profile.
- Create a hearty foundation by pouring in pristine white beans, verdant green chilies, robust vegetable broth, and sweet golden corn. Encourage the mixture to simmer gently, melding the ingredients into a harmonious blend while developing deep, complex flavors.
- Craft a luscious texture by carefully crushing a portion of the white beans against the pot’s side, releasing their creamy interior and naturally thickening the chili’s consistency.
- Elevate the dish with a luxurious touch of tangy sour cream or Greek yogurt, brightened by a splash of zesty lime juice. Allow the elements to intermingle and harmonize, creating a velvety, well-rounded flavor profile.
- Present the chili in inviting bowls, adorned with fresh cilantro and an array of complementary toppings, ready to be savored in all its comforting warmth.
Notes
- Make sure to chop onions, garlic, and jalapeño uniformly for even cooking and balanced flavor distribution.
- Use fresh spices to enhance the depth and aroma of the white chili, which can significantly elevate the overall taste profile.
- Mashing beans helps create a creamy texture without adding excessive dairy or thickeners, making the dish more nutritionally dense.
- For a protein boost, consider adding plant-based alternatives like quinoa, textured vegetable protein, or extra firm tofu to increase the dish’s nutritional value.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg