Creamy Healthy Vegetarian White Chili Recipe (with vegan option) (2024)

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Creamy Vegetarian White Chili recipe that is cozy and filling (with vegan option). Ideal for healthy weeknight meals or chilly afternoons.

Creamy Healthy Vegetarian White Chili Recipe (with vegan option) (1)

First post of 2017 – woot woot! How are you all feeling? Refreshed? Excited? Or overwhelmed at the thought of all the things you put off at the end of 2016? I’m honestly feeling a little bit of all three. Instead of getting a head start on my taxes and working ahead on freelance projects, I’ve been spending most of my free time researching what to do / eat / see on our west coast trip next month.

I’m headed out to the west for a weekend blog retreat but it seemed silly to fly so far just for two days so Wyatt is going to meet me out there for a week of adventuring afterwards. We’ll be traveling down the coast, starting in SF, making our way through Big Sur, and then eventually ending up in LA. Knowing I want to see the ocean, cliffs, and Redwoods is the easy part – trying to figure out how to cram everything into 48 hours in LA / SF has been the trickier part…

I’m what you would call a bit of an over-planner (and really love it) so I have an Evernote going of our trip that is broken up into 4 hours segments (yup – I’m crazy, I know). Is it too crazy to plan 3 breakfasts in one day? Because the brunch scene in SF seems pretty insane according to Pinterest. Also, got any suggestions for us? Where are the best vegetarian places to eat in SF and LA? Please let me know because I don’t want to miss ANYTHING!

Creamy Healthy Vegetarian White Chili Recipe (with vegan option) (2)
Creamy Healthy Vegetarian White Chili Recipe (with vegan option) (3)
Creamy Healthy Vegetarian White Chili Recipe (with vegan option) (4)

Okay, now back to why you came here – this Creamy Vegetarian White Chili! One of my 2017 goals is to share more vegetarian main recipes with you all and this chili fits the bill. I make this vegetarian chili recipe often in the winter and was honestly starting to fill a bit burnt out on it. Then, the other week, I came across this chicken white chili recipe and just knew I had to develop a veg version. Honestly, I didn’t even know ‘white chili’ was a thing until I saw this recipe! All the amazing flavor and spices of chili + creaminess? Sign me up! And you know what? It didn’t disappoint. Loaded with tons of nutrient-rich veggies, protein-packed beans, and flavorful spices, I can already tell this is going to become a regular in our house.

Love the sound of this but want to make it vegan? Swap in your favorite non-flavored dairy-free milk for the whole milk in the recipe. Also, feel free to add as many or as little toppings as you’d like. I personally prefer lots of texture and variety in my bowl but it would also be delicious if you wanted to keep it simple with just a little cilantro and pepper. Lastly, if you have the time, don’t forget to make it with a side of cornbread or a veggie bread loaf!

Creamy Vegetarian White Chili recipe below:

Creamy Healthy Vegetarian White Chili Recipe (with vegan option) (5)

Creamy Vegetarian White Chili

Creamy Vegetarian White Chili recipe that is cozy and filling (with vegan option). Ideal for healthy weeknight meals or chilly afternoons. /// Adapted from Gimme Some Oven and The Food Network

Course:Entree

Cuisine:Vegetarian

Servings: 6 servings

Calories: 235 kcal

Author: Shelly Westerhausen

Ingredients

  • 1Tbspolive oil
  • 1white onion, diced
  • 1green bell pepper, diced small
  • 1jalapeno, diced
  • 3garlic cloves, minced
  • 1Tbspcumin
  • 1/4cupall-purpose flour
  • 4cupslow-sodium vegetable broth
  • 3 15-ouncecans Great Northern beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 4-ouncecan chopped green chilies
  • 3/4cupfrozen corn
  • 2cupswarmed whole milk(use non-dairy if wanting to make the recipe vegan)
  • Salt / Pepper, to taste
  • Lime juice, to taste
  • garnish options: cilantro, avocado, tortilla chips, pickled jalapenos, radish slices, hot sauce

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil over medium in a large stock pot.

  2. Add onion, pepper, and jalapeno and saute for 7 to 10 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft and onions translucent.

  3. Add garlic and cumin and saute for another 30 seconds.

  4. Next, add flour and toss until the vegetables are coated. Slowly add in vegetable stock, while stirring, and then add in beans, green chilies, and corn.

  5. Turn heat to medium-high and bring to a boil. Once boiling, turn heat down to medium-low and let simmer for 15 minutes.

  6. Stir in warm milk and let simmer for another 2 minutes.

  7. Remove from heat and season with salt, pepper, and lime juice. Divide between serving bowls and garnish before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Creamy Vegetarian White Chili

Amount Per Serving

Calories 235Calories from Fat 45

% Daily Value*

Fat 5g8%

Saturated Fat 2g13%

Cholesterol 8mg3%

Sodium 667mg29%

Potassium 585mg17%

Carbohydrates 36g12%

Fiber 7g29%

Sugar 6g7%

Protein 11g22%

Vitamin A 575IU12%

Vitamin C 23.1mg28%

Calcium 168mg17%

Iron 3mg17%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Creamy Healthy Vegetarian White Chili Recipe (with vegan option) (7)

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Creamy Healthy Vegetarian White Chili Recipe (with vegan option) (2024)

FAQs

How do you thicken white chili? ›

All-purpose flour and cornstarch are useful for thickening chili, as well as sauces, soups, and stews. However, you'll want to avoid adding these ingredients directly to your recipe, as this will result in clumps. Instead, create a slurry and add it slowly to help the thickener fully incorporate.

What is the difference between chili and white chili? ›

There's your red. On the other hand, white versions are made with chicken instead of beef, and without tomatoes but with beans (usually white beans) and tons of flavor from green chilies.

Is vegetarian chili high in cholesterol? ›

Because strict vegetarian meals don't contain animal foods, they're cholesterol-free.

Should chili be thick or soupy? ›

Traditionally, we expect a robust, spicy base, meat and/or beans, perhaps some bonus veggies, and a thick, rich consistency. Unlike soups, which are brothy, or even bisques, which are creamy yet thinner, chili is meant to be more stew-like; it's a definite stick-to-your-ribs creation.

What is the best ingredient to thicken chili? ›

The good news is there are lots of easy ways to thicken up your chili with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry— flour, cornmeal, pureed beans, cornstarch, or even crushed tortilla chips will help do the job, along with some good old extra simmering time.

What is the healthiest type of chili? ›

The nutritional value of red chili is much higher than that of green chili. In addition to being rich in carotene, a red chili also contains about 5000 international units of vitamin A, which can meet the daily needs of adults.

Which chili is the healthiest? ›

Best: Eden Black Bean and Quinoa Chili

Additionally, it is a lower-calorie option with a low fat content, allowing you to incorporate your favorite toppings to create a balanced meal. Top your chili with avocado or shredded cheese for a boost of fat, or a dollop of plain Greek yogurt for a little extra protein.

Why do you put white vinegar in chili? ›

Stirred into the pot right before serving, a spoonful of vinegar brightens up the finished product, and gives it that full, rounded taste that was missing. Even if the chili recipe you're using doesn't call for vinegar, go ahead and add it anyway. You won't actually taste the tang or sharp flavor of the vinegar.

What raises cholesterol in vegetarians? ›

Some vegan desserts and cheeses are made with coconut oil, palm oil, or partially hydrogenated oils, which are all known to increase cholesterol. Refined carbohydrate intake: A diet high in refined carbohydrates and sugars can also lead to elevated cholesterol.

Is vegetarian chili good for you? ›

Chili with no meat is very very good for you, with lots of lean protein and fiber from the beans, and other nutrients coming from the sauce (usually tomato and veg based). If you add meat, don't add too much and try to avoid high fat ground meat. Try turkey, chicken, or tofu instead.

Is chili good or bad for cholesterol? ›

Research has shown that cultures that consume the most chili peppers have a lower incidence of heart attacks and strokes. That's because these pungent peppers can lower your LDL cholesterol levels, which is known as the “bad” cholesterol, while raising your “good” HDL cholesterol levels.

What adds depth of flavor to chili? ›

Elevate your chili recipe by adding an extra layer of flavor. Cocoa powder, bacon, cinnamon, ground coffee and tomato paste will all add a rich sweet & salty flavors that are sure to surprise and delight.

What liquid to add to chili? ›

Chili cooks low and slow, so you need enough liquid to tenderize the meat and keep everything from drying out. That liquid should also add flavor to the chili, so use chicken, beef, or vegetable stock, or beer.

Why do you put cornmeal in chili? ›

Cornmeal does an excellent job of absorbing extra liquids so adding a tablespoon of it to the chili will thicken the final dish. Mix 2 parts of cold water and 1 part of cornmeal, make it a slurry, and add this to the pot. Allow it to simmer for about 10 minutes after you add the slurry.

What can I add to chili to make it more soupy? ›

Add more water or tomato sauce if it's too thick. Keeping the lid on can keep the steam in resulting in thinner chili. Also, if I cook chili in the crock pot it is usually thinner, as the lid collects the steam rather than it evaporating.

How do you thicken white chicken chili with flour? ›

Whisk together milk (any kind) and flour (gluten free, if you need it!) in a small dish then pour into the chili and stir to combine. Cover and cook on high for 30 minutes. This will give the chili just a touch of velvety thickness.

How do you thicken cream cheese chili? ›

The cream cheese really helps to thicken up this chili, and the longer it simmers, the thicker it will get. If it's still too watery or soupy, make a slurry (1 tbsp of cold water and 1 tbsp of flour or cornstarch) to stir in.

References

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