White bean chili (opt. lacto)

White Bean Chili Recipe (Opt. Lacto) | Mexican Cuisine

Region / culture: Mexico | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 3 hours | Servings: 6

Introduction

White bean chili is a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for a cozy night in or a gathering with friends. This recipe is packed with flavor and nutritious ingredients that will leave you feeling satisfied and nourished.

History

White bean chili has its roots in traditional chili recipes, but with a twist. Instead of using traditional red kidney beans, this recipe calls for white beans, which give the dish a creamy texture and mild flavor. The addition of tomatillos and salsa verde adds a tangy and slightly spicy kick to the dish, making it a unique and flavorful meal.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) white beans (like great northerns)
2 large onions, diced
2 tbsp ground cumin
1 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp poultry seasoning
2 to 4 oz (113 g) cans diced green chiles
1 8 oz (227 g) can salsa verde (optional)
7 cups "chicken-like" or veggie stock
2 bay leaves
0.5 lb (227 g) tomatillos, cleaned & quartered
1 cup fresh cilantro, coarsely chopped
1 each salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp fresh lime juice
1 cup chopped green onions
1 each optional - ff sour cream

How to prepare

Soak the beans overnight or use the quick soak method: bring the beans and enough water to cover by 1 inch to a boil for 5 minutes. Turn off the heat, cover, and let them sit for 1 hour. Then, pour off the soaking water and cover the beans with fresh water. Bring to a full boil, then lower the heat and simmer.
While the beans are simmering, in a large soup kettle or dutch oven, sauté the onions using your preferred fat-free method (I use a little stock). Once the onions are translucent, add cumin, chili powder, poultry seasoning, green chiles, and salsa verde. Sauté for 5 minutes, adding a little stock if it starts to stick.
Next, add the remaining stock, bay leaves, tomatillos, and 0.75 cup of cilantro. Bring to a boil and simmer uncovered while the beans continue to cook. When the beans are just tender (1-2 hours), add them to the soup pot and simmer everything together for another 0.5 hour. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Just before serving, add the remaining cilantro and lime juice. Stir to blend. Ladle into large bowls and top with green onions and an optional dollop of fat-free sour cream.

Variations

Add diced tomatoes or bell peppers for extra color and flavor.
Use black beans or pinto beans instead of white beans for a different twist on the recipe.
Add cooked chicken or ground turkey for a meatier version of the dish.
Top with shredded cheese or avocado slices for a creamy and indulgent finish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to soak the beans overnight or use the quick soak method to ensure they cook evenly and become tender.

- Sautéing the onions and spices before adding the stock and beans helps to develop the flavors of the dish.

- Adding the tomatillos and salsa verde towards the end of cooking allows their flavors to shine through without becoming too mushy.

- Adjust the seasonings to your taste preferences, adding more or less chili powder and green chiles as desired.

Serving Suggestions

White bean chili is delicious on its own, but can also be served with a side of cornbread, tortilla chips, or a green salad for a complete meal. Garnish with additional cilantro, green onions, and a dollop of sour cream for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Soaking the beans overnight or using the quick soak method helps to ensure they cook evenly and become tender.

- Sautéing the onions and spices before adding the stock and beans helps to develop the flavors of the dish.

- Simmering the chili uncovered allows the flavors to meld together and the liquid to reduce slightly, creating a thick and flavorful dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you can't find tomatillos, you can use green tomatoes or additional green bell peppers for a similar flavor profile.

- Substitute vegetable broth for the veggie stock if needed.

- Use dried cilantro or parsley if fresh cilantro is not available.

Make Ahead Tips

White bean chili can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve white bean chili in large bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, green onions, and a dollop of sour cream. Add a wedge of lime on the side for squeezing over the top for an extra burst of flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

White bean chili pairs well with a crisp green salad, cornbread, or tortilla chips for dipping. A glass of cold beer or a fruity white wine complements the flavors of the dish nicely.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of white bean chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of white bean chili contains approximately 300 calories, making it a satisfying and nutritious meal option for lunch or dinner.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of white bean chili contains approximately 40 grams of carbohydrates, making it a filling and satisfying meal option.

Fats

This recipe is low in fat, with only a small amount of fat coming from the optional sour cream topping. The majority of the fats in this dish come from heart-healthy sources like olive oil and avocado.

Proteins

White bean chili is a great source of plant-based protein, with each serving containing around 15 grams of protein. The white beans and green chiles provide a good amount of protein, making this dish a nutritious and satisfying option for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.

Vitamins and minerals

This recipe is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C from the tomatillos and cilantro, as well as potassium and fiber from the white beans. The green onions and cilantro also provide a boost of antioxidants and other essential nutrients.

Alergens

This recipe is free of common allergens like dairy, eggs, and nuts. However, if you have a sensitivity to nightshades, you may want to omit the green chiles and salsa verde from the recipe.

Summary

Overall, white bean chili is a nutritious and delicious meal option that is packed with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. It is a great option for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike, and can be customized to suit your taste preferences.

Summary

White bean chili is a delicious and nutritious meal option that is perfect for a cozy night in or a gathering with friends. Packed with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy the creamy texture and tangy flavor of this unique twist on traditional chili!

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for White Bean Chili. It was a chilly autumn day, and I was visiting my dear friend, Mrs. Jenkins, who lived just down the street from me. Mrs. Jenkins was known in our neighborhood for her incredible cooking skills, and she always had a new recipe up her sleeve to share with me.

On that particular day, as we sat in her cozy kitchen sipping tea, Mrs. Jenkins pulled out a tattered old cookbook from her shelf. She flipped through the pages with a smile on her face, and when she landed on the page for White Bean Chili, her eyes lit up.

"This is one of my absolute favorite recipes," she said, her voice filled with excitement. "It's hearty, flavorful, and perfect for those chilly autumn nights."

As Mrs. Jenkins began to read off the ingredients and instructions, I could feel my mouth watering. The combination of white beans, tender chicken, and aromatic spices sounded like a match made in heaven. I knew right then and there that I had to learn how to make this dish for myself.

Mrs. Jenkins graciously offered to teach me her recipe, and over the course of the afternoon, we worked together in her kitchen, chopping vegetables, simmering the chili on the stove, and letting the delicious aroma fill the room. As we sat down to enjoy our meal, I took my first bite of the White Bean Chili and was instantly hooked. The flavors were bold and comforting, with just the right amount of heat from the spices.

From that day on, White Bean Chili became a staple in my own kitchen. I would make it for family gatherings, potlucks, and cozy nights at home. Over the years, I perfected the recipe to suit my own tastes, adding a touch of cumin here, a pinch of smoked paprika there.

As time went on, I began to share my White Bean Chili recipe with friends and neighbors, just as Mrs. Jenkins had shared it with me. Everyone who tried it raved about how delicious it was, and I was always happy to pass on the recipe to anyone who asked.

One day, my own granddaughter came to visit me in my kitchen, curious about the delicious aroma that wafted through the air. I smiled as I pulled out my old cookbook and flipped to the page for White Bean Chili.

"This is a recipe that has been passed down through generations," I told her, my voice filled with nostalgia. "I learned it from Mrs. Jenkins, who learned it from her grandmother before her. And now, I'm passing it on to you."

Together, my granddaughter and I worked in the kitchen, chopping vegetables, simmering the chili on the stove, and letting the delicious aroma fill the room. As we sat down to enjoy our meal, I watched with pride as she took her first bite of the White Bean Chili. Her eyes lit up in delight, just as mine had all those years ago.

And so, the tradition continued, with each new generation learning the recipe for White Bean Chili and making it their own. As I looked around my kitchen, filled with the laughter and chatter of loved ones, I knew that this simple dish had brought us all together in a special way.

As I sat back in my chair, savoring the last spoonful of White Bean Chili, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the memories and connections that this recipe had brought into my life. It was more than just a dish—it was a piece of history, a story to be shared and cherished for years to come. And as long as there were loved ones gathered around my table, I knew that the tradition of White Bean Chili would live on.