Zesty Vegetarian White Chili Recipe: Cozy Comfort in a Bowl

Chili nights take on a whole new dimension with this creamy vegetarian white chili recipe that promises comfort in every spoonful.

Packed with protein-rich beans and vibrant vegetables, the dish brings warmth and satisfaction to your dinner table.

Tender white beans mingle with a velvety broth that carries just the right amount of spice and richness.

Green chilies and aromatic spices dance together, creating a symphony of flavors that will delight your taste buds.

The creamy texture elevates this chili from ordinary to extraordinary, making it a standout meal for any evening.

Hearty and nutritious, this vegetarian chili offers a delicious alternative to traditional meat-based versions.

Prepare to be amazed by how a simple pot of chili can transform an ordinary meal into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 190 kcal

Servings: 7

What’s Inside Vegetarian White Chili

• Olive Oil: Provides silky base for sautéing vegetables with rich flavor undertones.
• Onion: Builds deep flavor foundation and adds natural sweetness.
• Garlic: Delivers robust, pungent essence that enhances overall taste profile.
• Jalapeno: Introduces gentle heat and vibrant pepper complexity.

• Cumin: Earthy spice that adds warm, smoky southwestern character.
• Chili Powder: Creates depth with subtle pepper warmth.
• Smoked Paprika: Delivers gentle smokiness and rich red pepper notes.
• Oregano: Introduces herbal brightness and traditional mexican flavor.
• Salt: Balances and amplifies other ingredient flavors.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and aromatic sharpness.

• White Beans: Protein-packed base providing creamy texture and hearty substance.
• Green Chilies: Contributes mild heat and tangy brightness.
• Vegetable Broth: Creates liquid foundation with savory undertones.
• Corn: Adds sweet crunch and textural contrast.
• Sour Cream: Introduces rich, tangy creaminess.
• Lime Juice: Provides bright, zesty acidity to lift entire dish.
• Cilantro: Fresh herb garnish with vibrant, citrusy notes.

Tools To Make Vegetarian White Chili

• Large Pot: Essential for sautéing aromatics and simmering the chili, ensuring even heat distribution.
• Cutting Board: Perfect for chopping onions, garlic, and jalapeno with precision.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp tool for clean, quick vegetable preparation.
• Fork or Potato Masher: Key for creating creamy texture by mashing some beans.
• Wooden Spoon: Great for stirring ingredients and preventing sticking.
• Measuring Spoons: Helpful for accurate spice measurements.
• Ladle: Convenient for serving the chili into bowls.

Steps To Simmer Vegetarian White Chili Easily

• Awaken the Flavor Base

Drizzle olive oil into a hefty pot and gently coax onions, garlic, and jalapeños into a delicate dance over medium warmth. Watch them soften and release their aromatic magic for about 3-4 minutes.

• Sprinkle Spice Symphony

Introduce cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Let them waltz together for a minute, releasing their intense fragrance and building a flavor foundation.

• Build the Hearty Brew

Cascade white beans, green chilies, vegetable broth, and corn into the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing ingredients to mingle and develop deep, rich flavors for 15 minutes.

• Create Creamy Texture

Grab a fork or potato masher and gently crush some beans, transforming the liquid into a luxuriously thick and velvety consistency.

• Final Flourish

Lower the heat and swirl in sour cream and a splash of lime juice. Let the chili rest for 2 minutes, allowing flavors to harmonize.

• Serve with Joy

Ladle the steaming chili into waiting bowls, shower with fresh cilantro and your favorite toppings, then savor every comforting spoonful.

Tips To Spice Vegetarian White Chili Just Right

• Perfect Bean Selection: Choose creamy white beans like cannellini or great northern for the best texture and smooth consistency in your chili.
• Protein Power-Up: Add quinoa or diced extra-firm tofu for additional plant-based protein, making the dish more filling and nutritionally balanced.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust the heat by removing jalapeno seeds for a milder version or adding cayenne pepper for extra kick; always taste and adjust gradually.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Replace sour cream with coconut yogurt or cashew cream to create a vegan-friendly version that maintains the creamy richness.
• Make-Ahead Magic: This chili tastes even better the next day, so prepare in advance and store in refrigerator for up to 4 days, allowing flavors to develop and intensify.

How To Serve Vegetarian White Chili Warm

• Fresh Herb Sprinkle: Chop fresh cilantro, parsley, or green onions for a bright, zesty finish that adds color and fresh flavor to your white chili.
• Creamy Comfort Toppings: Dollop extra sour cream or Greek yogurt on top, creating a cool contrast to the warm, spicy chili and adding luxurious texture.
• Crunch Factor: Sprinkle crispy tortilla chips, toasted pumpkin seeds, or crushed corn chips around the bowl for a satisfying crunch that elevates each bite.
• Cheese Lover's Dream: Grate sharp white cheddar, crumble queso fresco, or sprinkle monterey jack cheese over the hot chili for melty, rich goodness.

Keep Vegetarian White Chili Fresh For Later

• Batch Cooking Brilliance: Prepare a double batch of this white chili and freeze portions in airtight containers for quick weeknight meals. Perfect for busy schedules and meal prep champions.
• Refrigerator Revival: Store leftovers in sealed containers for up to 4 days. The flavors actually improve overnight, making next-day lunches even more delicious and satisfying.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: This chili freezes exceptionally well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop to maintain its creamy texture.
• Smart Reheating Technique: When warming refrigerated chili, add a splash of vegetable broth to restore moisture and prevent potential dryness. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating and maintain the original silky consistency.

Creamy Vegetarian White Chili Recipe

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4.7 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hearty white chili celebrates Mexican-inspired comfort with creamy white beans and zesty spices. Protein-packed and satisfying, this vegetarian dish delivers complex flavors you’ll savor to the last spoonful.

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Ingredients

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• 2 (15 oz / 425 g) cans white beans (cannellini or Great Northern), drained and rinsed
• 1 cup frozen or fresh corn
• 3 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 (4 oz / 113 g) can diced green chilies
• 1 jalapeno, diced (optional, for heat)
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ½ cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
• Juice of 1 lime
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• Sliced avocado
• Shredded cheese
• Tortilla chips or strips
• Extra lime wedges

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Instructions

1. Aromatic Foundation: Sauté onions, garlic, and jalapeños in olive oil until softened, creating a fragrant base for the chili.
2. Spice Awakening: Introduce cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper, allowing them to bloom and intensify their flavors for maximum depth.
3. Liquid Harmony: Combine white beans, green chilies, vegetable broth, and corn in the pot, gently simmering to merge ingredients and develop a rich, complex taste profile.
4. Texture Transformation: Partially crush white beans against the pot’s side, releasing their creamy interior to naturally thicken the chili’s consistency and create a luxurious mouthfeel.
5. Finishing Flourish: Swirl in sour cream or Greek yogurt, splash with lime juice, and garnish with fresh cilantro, creating a vibrant and balanced final presentation that tantalizes the palate.

Notes

• Spice Sensitivity: Adjust jalapeño and chili powder quantities based on personal heat tolerance, ensuring a balanced, enjoyable flavor without overwhelming spiciness.
• Bean Texture Trick: Partially mash beans against pot sides for creamy consistency, creating a luxurious thickness without additional thickeners or heavy cream.
• Protein Boost: Incorporate plant-based protein like quinoa, lentils, or textured vegetable protein to enhance nutritional value and make the chili more filling.
• Freezer-Friendly Hack: Prepare larger batches and freeze in portion-sized containers for quick, convenient meals, maintaining robust flavors up to 3 months when properly stored.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 190
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 5 mg