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Vegan White Bean Chili Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 105 reviews

This Vegan White Bean Chili is a hearty, flavorful plant-based stew packed with a variety of beans, fresh vegetables, and warming spices. Perfect for a cozy meal, it features a blend of sweet potatoes, poblano and jalapeño chiles, yellow tomatoes, and a splash of Mexican lager to develop rich depth without any meat. Creamy vegan cheese and optional fresh toppings like avocado, cilantro, and lime add layers of texture and bright flavors, making this a satisfying and nutritious dish for vegan and vegetarian diets.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp. vegetable oil
  • 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 1 yellow or orange bell pepper, seeds and ribs removed, chopped
  • 1 Japanese sweet potato, peeled, chopped
  • 2 poblano chiles, seeded, chopped
  • 2 jalapeños, seeded, finely chopped
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 1 tbsp. dried oregano
  • 1 tbsp. ground cumin

Liquids and Tomatoes

  • 1 lb. yellow tomatoes (2 to 3 medium), chopped
  • 1 (12-oz.) bottle Mexican lager

Beans and Corn

  • 2 (14-oz.) cans butter beans, with liquid
  • 1 (14-oz.) can pinto beans, with liquid
  • 2 1/2 cups fresh or frozen white corn

Flavor Enhancers

  • 3 tbsp. white miso paste
  • 1/4 cup vegan cream cheese

Optional Garnishes

  • Fresh cilantro leaves
  • Sliced radishes
  • Cubed avocado
  • Vegan sour cream
  • Hot sauce
  • Lime wedges

Instructions

  1. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, heat the vegetable oil. Add the finely chopped onion, chopped bell pepper, chopped Japanese sweet potato, seeded and chopped poblano chiles, and seeded, finely chopped jalapeños. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook the mixture partially covered, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften, about 12 minutes.
  2. Add Garlic and Spices: Stir in the chopped garlic, dried oregano, and ground cumin. Cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 1 minute, which helps release the flavors of the spices and garlic.
  3. Cook Tomatoes and Beer: Add the chopped yellow tomatoes and the bottle of Mexican lager to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes break down and become very soft, and the alcohol from the beer has cooked off, about 10 minutes.
  4. Add Beans and Simmer: Add the butter beans along with their liquid, the pinto beans with their liquid, and 3/4 cup of water to the pot. Season again with salt and pepper. Reduce heat to medium and cook, stirring occasionally, until the liquid thickens slightly, about 15 minutes.
  5. Mix in Miso and Corn: In a small bowl, whisk together the white miso paste with 1/2 cup water until smooth. Add this mixture to the chili and gently crush some of the beans with a wooden spoon to thicken the chili further. Add the white corn and cook, stirring frequently, until the corn is tender, about 4 minutes.
  6. Finish with Vegan Cream Cheese: Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the vegan cream cheese until fully combined and smooth. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
  7. Serve and Garnish: Divide the chili among serving bowls and top with fresh cilantro leaves, sliced radishes, cubed avocado, and vegan sour cream as desired. Serve with hot sauce and lime wedges on the side for added flavor.

Notes

  • To reduce the heat, remove seeds from the poblano and jalapeño peppers; leave some seeds if you prefer more spice.
  • Mexican lager can be substituted with a light beer or vegetable broth for a non-alcoholic version.
  • White miso paste adds umami and depth; if unavailable, use a mild miso or a splash of soy sauce.
  • For added texture, consider topping with crunchy tortilla strips or toasted pumpkin seeds.
  • This chili stores well and flavors intensify after a day; refrigerate leftover chili for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Keywords: vegan chili, white bean chili, plant-based recipes, meatless chili, Mexican inspired, healthy dinner, dairy-free chili

Find it online: https://flavorsbymaya.com/vegan-white-bean-chili-recipe/