Vegan White Chickpea Chili

Vegan White Chickpea Chili is a delicious and hearty dish that brings a twist to the traditional white chicken chili. This plant-based version is packed with flavor from fresh vegetables, beans, and spices simmered in a creamy coconut milk broth. It’s perfect for cozy family dinners, meal prepping for the week, or entertaining friends at gatherings. The unique blend of ingredients makes it a standout choice for any occasion where comfort food is welcome!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavor-Packed: Enjoy a rich combination of spices and fresh veggies that create an unforgettable taste.
• Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this chili in under 30 minutes!
• Healthy & Filling: Loaded with protein-rich chickpeas and fiber-filled veggies, this dish will keep you satisfied.
• Versatile Options: Customize your toppings with tortilla strips, sour cream, or fresh herbs to suit your taste.
• Great for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week or freeze for later.

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Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring spoons
• Can opener
• Stirring spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Essential for cooking the chili evenly and allowing all flavors to meld together.
• Knife: A sharp knife makes chopping vegetables quick and easy.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for slicing ingredients while keeping your workspace organized.

Ingredients

This White Chickpea Chili is a vegan twist on the ever popular white chicken chili. It’s loaded with veggies, beans and plenty of spice in a broth of coconut milk, vegetable broth, and salsa verde. Make room in your monthly meal rotation for this family favorite!

Base Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 1 red pepper, diced
• 1 jalapeno, ribs and seeds removed, petite diced
• 5 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

Spices & Seasonings

• 1.5 tablespoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

Beans & Broth

• 2 (15 oz.) cans garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz.) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 16 oz. salsa verde (green salsa)
• 1 (13.5 oz.) full fat coconut milk
• 2 cups vegetable broth

Fresh Ingredients & Garnishes

• juice of 1 lime (about 2 tablespoons)
• Kosher salt
• fresh cracked pepper
• tortilla strips
• sour cream
• crumbled cotija cheese
• fresh chopped cilantro
• sliced jalapeno
• lime wedges

How to Make Vegan White Chickpea Chili

Step 1: Heat the Oil

Heat oil in a large pot over medium high heat until shimmering.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

Add onion, red pepper, and jalapeno along with a couple large pinches of salt and pepper. Cook while stirring frequently for about 5 minutes until softened.

Step 3: Add Spices

Add garlic, cumin, chili powder, coriander, and oregano. Cook while stirring frequently for another minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Deglaze the Pot

Add a splash of vegetable broth to deglaze the bottom of the pot. Scrape up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom.

Step 5: Combine Main Ingredients

Add garbanzo beans, pinto beans, salsa verde, coconut milk, and remaining vegetable broth along with more salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine.

Step 6: Simmer the Chili

Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium high heat. Reduce heat to medium low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.

Step 7: Add Lime Juice

Stir in fresh lime juice at the end of cooking time. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed before serving.

Step 8: Serve & Garnish

Serve hot garnished with your favorite toppings like homemade fried tortilla strips or fresh cilantro. Enjoy!

How to Serve Vegan White Chickpea Chili

Serving Vegan White Chickpea Chili is an enjoyable experience that allows you to customize each bowl with your favorite toppings. Here are some delicious suggestions to elevate your chili.

Tortilla Strips

• Crisp homemade or store-bought tortilla strips add a delightful crunch to the creamy texture of the chili.

Fresh Cilantro

• Chopped cilantro brings a fresh, herbaceous flavor that complements the spices in the chili beautifully.

Lime Wedges

• Squeezing fresh lime juice over your chili enhances the flavors and adds a zesty kick.

Sliced Jalapenos

• For those who enjoy heat, sliced jalapenos provide an extra layer of spiciness that can be adjusted to taste.

Vegan Sour Cream

• A dollop of vegan sour cream offers creaminess and balances out the spices, making each bite smooth and satisfying.

Crumbled Cotija Cheese

• If you’re not strictly vegan, crumbled cotija cheese adds a salty richness that contrasts nicely with the chili’s flavors.

How to Perfect Vegan White Chickpea Chili

To make your Vegan White Chickpea Chili even better, consider these useful tips. Each step helps enhance the overall flavor and texture of this comforting dish.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables bring more flavor and nutrients compared to canned options. Always opt for fresh when possible.

• Adjust Spice Levels: Tailor the heat by adjusting the amount of jalapeno and chili powder. You can always start small and add more as it cooks.

• Let It Simmer Longer: Allowing the chili to simmer for additional time deepens the flavors, making it even more delicious.

• Experiment with Beans: While chickpeas are essential, try adding different beans like black beans or kidney beans for added texture and variety.

• Add More Veggies: Incorporate extra vegetables such as zucchini or spinach for added nutrition and color.

• Taste Before Serving: Always taste your chili just before serving. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or lime juice as needed.

Best Side Dishes for Vegan White Chickpea Chili

Pairing side dishes with Vegan White Chickpea Chili can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Cornbread – A sweet and moist cornbread complements the savory flavors of the chili perfectly.

2. Green Salad – A light salad with mixed greens, avocado, and a citrus vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast.

3. Guacamole – Creamy guacamole pairs well with tortilla strips for a fantastic texture combination.

4. Rice – Cilantro lime rice adds a fragrant touch that absorbs the delicious broth from your chili.

5. Roasted Vegetables – Seasoned roasted veggies like carrots and bell peppers provide additional nutrients and flavors on the side.

6. Baked Potatoes – Simple baked potatoes topped with salsa verde work beautifully alongside this hearty chili for a filling meal.

7. Chips & Salsa – Crunchy tortilla chips served with fresh salsa add an exciting crunch that pairs nicely with each spoonful of chili.

8. Fruit Salad – A fresh fruit salad can cleanse your palate while offering sweetness to balance out the savory notes of the dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can make your Vegan White Chickpea Chili even better. Here are some pitfalls to watch for:

• Skipping the seasoning: Not using enough spices can lead to bland chili. Always taste and adjust your spices as you go.
• Overcooking the beans: If you cook the beans too long, they may become mushy. Be cautious and simmer just until heated through.
• Ignoring freshness: Using stale ingredients can ruin the flavor. Always check your spices and use fresh produce when possible.
• Not layering flavors: Adding all ingredients at once can prevent the flavors from developing. Sauté veggies first to enhance their taste.
• Forgetting about garnishes: Skipping toppings can make your dish less appealing. Don’t forget about chips, cheese, or fresh herbs for added texture and flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Allow the chili to cool before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.

Freezing Vegan White Chickpea Chili

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months.
• Leave some space in containers for expansion during freezing.

Reheating Vegan White Chickpea Chili

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered dish for about 20 minutes or until warm.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Warm in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common questions about Vegan White Chickpea Chili:

What makes this chili vegan?

This chili is made without any animal products. Instead of chicken, it uses chickpeas and pinto beans for protein.

Can I customize the Vegan White Chickpea Chili?

Absolutely! You can add more vegetables or substitute different beans based on your preference.

How spicy is this Vegan White Chickpea Chili?

The spice level can be adjusted by adding more or fewer jalapeños. You can also omit them if you prefer a milder flavor.

What should I serve with my Vegan White Chickpea Chili?

This chili pairs well with tortilla strips, avocado, and lime wedges. Feel free to add your favorite toppings!

Final Thoughts

Vegan White Chickpea Chili is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for any meal. Its versatility allows you to customize it according to your tastes. Give this recipe a try; you’ll love how easy it is to make and how satisfying it feels!