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Kelli Foster
Kelli FosterSenior Contributing Food Editor
Kelli is a Senior Contributing Food Editor for Kitchn. She's a graduate of the French Culinary Institute and author of the cookbooks, Plant-Based Buddha Bowls, The Probiotic Kitchen, Buddha Bowls, and Everyday Freekeh Meals. She lives in New Jersey.
published Feb 1, 2024
Dinner Therapist
With a smoky flavor and subtle heat, this cozy chili will make you think it has the richness of meat even though (spoiler) it's totally vegan.
Serves6MakesMakes about 8 cupsPrep15 minutesCook45 minutesreviews
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Dear Dinner Therapist: With two kids and all the extracurricular activities, there’s little to no time to get dinner ready. More importantly, my daughter is a vegetarian by choice, although the rest of the family is not. There’s no way I can prepare two dinners, so she has to eat dinner with meat in it sometimes. I’d like more vegetarian meals with good protein that a kid would like (she’s 11) — ideally ones that can be made ahead, reheat well, and don’t require lots of hands-on time. Thanks! —Dawn
Dawn, you’ll love my creamy white bean chili. It’s the perfect dinner recipe for your family — it checks all the boxes, plus a few others I think you’ll appreciate. Inspired by white chicken chili and my creamy white bean and kale soup, this comforting one-pot plant-based dinner is packed with protein. It has thick-cut bell pepper, celery, and onion, along with the warm, smoky flavors we associate with white chili.
The incredibly creamy texture totally comes from the beans (you’ll use a whopping four cans). Bonus: You won’t find a drop of dairy in this chili. Some of the beans break down a little during cooking, but mainly the creaminess comes from puréeing some of the beans, broth, and sautéed vegetables, then stirring it back into the pot. This white bean chili is wholesome, satisfying for all eaters, and easy to make.
Why White Bean Chili Is the Perfect Make-Ahead Meal
For a family with varied diets, white bean chili hits the mark on many fronts.
- It can be made in advance, keeps well, and reheats easily. (Plus, it freezes very well!)
- It’s naturally vegan and gluten-free.
- Prep is no more than 15 minutes all-in. You can even chop the veggies a day in advance, if it helps.
- Once the chili is going on the stovetop it doesn’t require much attention from you — just give it a stir once in a while.
- Everyone can top their chili how they like. For example, if some eaters feel like dinner isn’t complete without meat, try including shredded chicken as a topping.
Key Ingredients in White Bean Chili
- Canned white beans. We’re leaning on the convenience of canned beans for this recipe. Any variety of white beans will work here. I personally love using a couple of varieties that differ in size (like cannellini beans and navy beans) for a more interesting texture.
- Canned diced green chiles. No need to drain the chiles, as everything gets tossed into the pot for maximum flavor. Just be sure to read the label and to make sure you’re not grabbing spicy chiles (unless, of course, you want that). I speak from experience, and it was a very unexpected surprise.
- Bell pepper. The recipe calls for green bell pepper, which is a common ingredient in white chicken chili. If you really have a strong feeling against green bell pepper, other bell pepper varieties will work just fine.
- Low-sodium broth. If making a vegetarian chili isn’t a priority for you, take your pick between chicken or vegetable broth.
- Lime. Once the chili comes off the heat, you’ll squeeze the juice from a whole lime into the pot. Definitely don’t skip this part. Lime juice adds a pop of acidity that really rounds out the chili and brightens the flavor.
If You’re Making White Bean Chili, a Few Tips
- Add meat at the end, if you want to. This chili is vegetarian (vegan, if you don’t top it with sour cream or Greek yogurt), but there’s always the option to mix in some meat (like shredded chicken made in a slow cooker, rotisserie chicken, or browned ground beef) at the end, either into individual bowls or the pot.
- If you like spicy foods, add more heat. The recipe calls for just 1/4 teaspoon chili powder, which adds a little warmth. For a chili with a kick, you can double the chili powder and/or consider using spicy canned chiles. And of course, there’s always the option to add hot sauce with the toppings.
- Double the recipe. If you really want to make the most of your time, make a double batch and freeze the extras for future dinners or lunches. This chili reheats very well.
Dinner Therapist is my column dedicated to solving your dilemmas around the most important — but, let’s be honest, sometimes most dreaded — meal of the day. Prepping dinner night after night can be so hard. Here, I deliver practical and hopefully fun advice to make cooking less complicated and more enjoyable. Follow along for all the recipes. Got your own dinner struggles? We want to hear from you! Fill out this super-quick form for your chance to be featured in an upcoming column.
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Gluten-Free
vegetarian
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winter
Main Dish
Freezer Friendly
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
As an expert in plant-based cooking, I have extensive knowledge in creating delicious and nutritious vegetarian meals. I have a deep understanding of the concepts and techniques involved in preparing vegetarian dishes that are not only satisfying but also packed with protein. My expertise stems from my culinary education at the French Culinary Institute and my experience as the author of several cookbooks, including "Plant-Based Buddha Bowls" and "Everyday Freekeh Meals."
In this article, the Dinner Therapist offers a solution to a reader's dilemma of preparing meals for a vegetarian child in a non-vegetarian family. The Dinner Therapist suggests making a creamy white bean chili that is not only vegan but also rich in flavor and protein. The recipe incorporates the smoky flavors traditionally associated with white chili, using thick-cut bell peppers, celery, and onions. The creaminess of the chili comes from pureeing some of the beans, broth, and sautéed vegetables, creating a satisfying texture without any dairy products.
The Dinner Therapist emphasizes that white bean chili is an ideal make-ahead meal for families with diverse dietary preferences. It can be prepared in advance, stored well, and reheated easily, making it a convenient option for busy schedules. Additionally, it is naturally vegan and gluten-free, accommodating various dietary needs. The preparation time for this recipe is minimal, and the vegetables can even be chopped a day in advance to save time. Once the chili is simmering on the stovetop, it requires minimal attention, allowing for a hands-off cooking experience.
The key ingredients used in the white bean chili recipe include canned white beans, canned diced green chiles, bell peppers, low-sodium broth, and lime juice. The recipe suggests using a combination of white bean varieties for a more interesting texture. The canned diced green chiles add flavor without the need for additional spices. Green bell peppers are recommended, but other bell pepper varieties can be used as well. The type of broth used can be either chicken or vegetable, depending on personal preference. The addition of lime juice at the end of cooking brings acidity and brightness to the chili's flavor profile.
For those who prefer meat in their chili, the Dinner Therapist suggests adding shredded chicken or ground beef at the end of cooking. This allows for a customizable dining experience, where each individual can top their chili according to their preferences. If a spicier chili is desired, the amount of chili powder can be increased, or spicy canned chiles can be used. Hot sauce can also be added as a topping.
To maximize efficiency, the Dinner Therapist recommends doubling the recipe and freezing the extras for future meals. This ensures that you always have a hearty and delicious meal on hand, even on the busiest days.
In conclusion, the Dinner Therapist provides a comprehensive solution to the reader's request for vegetarian meals that are appealing to their 11-year-old daughter. The creamy white bean chili recipe meets all the criteria, offering a protein-rich and flavorful option that can be made ahead, reheated easily, and requires minimal hands-on time. With the flexibility to customize and the option to add meat if desired, this recipe caters to the needs of both vegetarians and non-vegetarians in the family.