PlantStrong White Bean Chili: A Flavorful & Healthy Recipe
Are you ready to dive into a hearty, flavorful, and incredibly healthy chili that's perfectly aligned with the PlantStrong principles? This white bean chili recipe is not only delicious but also packed with plant-based protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. It's the perfect comfort food for a chilly evening, and it's surprisingly easy to make!
What Makes This PlantStrong White Bean Chili Special?
This recipe embraces the core tenets of the PlantStrong lifestyle, emphasizing whole, unprocessed plant foods. We're focusing on:
- High Fiber: White beans are superstars when it comes to fiber, promoting gut health and keeping you feeling full and satisfied.
- Plant-Based Protein: Beans provide a significant amount of plant-based protein, crucial for muscle building and overall health.
- Nutrient-Rich Vegetables: We'll be incorporating a variety of vegetables to boost the nutritional value and add depth of flavor.
- Flavorful Spices: A blend of warming spices will create a rich and complex chili profile.
- Minimal Added Oils: We'll keep the oil to a minimum, emphasizing the natural flavors of the ingredients.
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or other healthy oil)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 (15-ounce) cans cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup vegetable broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: fresh cilantro, avocado, Greek yogurt (dairy-free option available), tortilla chips
Instructions for PlantStrong White Bean Chili:
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Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and bell peppers and cook for another 3-5 minutes, until slightly tender.
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Simmer the Chili: Add the crushed tomatoes, cannellini beans, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, chili powder, cumin, cayenne pepper (if using), and smoked paprika to the pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 30 minutes, or longer for a richer flavor (up to an hour).
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Adjust & Serve: Stir the chili occasionally. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Before serving, you can use an immersion blender to partially puree the chili for a creamier texture (optional). Serve hot with your favorite toppings!
Tips for an Even Better Chili:
- Spice it Up: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your preferred level of heat. Add a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce for extra kick!
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like corn, zucchini, or carrots.
- Make it Hearty: Include some chopped cooked sweet potatoes or butternut squash for added nutrients and sweetness.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This chili is perfect for meal prepping! Make a large batch on the weekend and enjoy it throughout the week.
This PlantStrong white bean chili is a delicious and healthy way to enjoy a comforting meal. Its versatility allows for customization to your preferences. Enjoy! Remember to share your culinary creations using #PlantStrongChili and tag us! We can't wait to see your versions!
