Creamy Healthy Vegetarian White Chili Recipe (with vegan option) (2024)

FAQs

How do you thicken white chili? ›

Use All-Purpose Flour or Cornstarch

"Transfer some warm liquid [from the chili] to a separate bowl. Whisk in the flour or cornstarch, then slowly stir it back in the pot," advises Wofford. Bring the mixture back to a boil, which will "activate" the ingredient, instantly thickening the dish.

There's your red. On the other hand, white versions are made with chicken instead of beef, and without tomatoes but with beans (usually white beans) and tons of flavor from green chilies.

Because strict vegetarian meals don't contain animal foods, they're cholesterol-free.

Traditionally, we expect a robust, spicy base, meat and/or beans, perhaps some bonus veggies, and a thick, rich consistency. Unlike soups, which are brothy, or even bisques, which are creamy yet thinner, chili is meant to be more stew-like; it's a definite stick-to-your-ribs creation.

The good news is there are lots of easy ways to thicken up your chili with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry— flour, cornmeal, pureed beans, cornstarch, or even crushed tortilla chips will help do the job, along with some good old extra simmering time.

The nutritional value of red chili is much higher than that of green chili. In addition to being rich in carotene, a red chili also contains about 5000 international units of vitamin A, which can meet the daily needs of adults.

Green chillies have higher water content and zero calories which makes them a healthy choice for those who are trying to shed some pounds. Green chillies are a rich source of beta–carotene, antioxidants and endorrphins while red chilies consumed in excess can cause internal inflammation which results in peptic ulcers.

Stirred into the pot right before serving, a spoonful of vinegar brightens up the finished product, and gives it that full, rounded taste that was missing. Even if the chili recipe you're using doesn't call for vinegar, go ahead and add it anyway. You won't actually taste the tang or sharp flavor of the vinegar.

Some vegan desserts and cheeses are made with coconut oil, palm oil, or partially hydrogenated oils, which are all known to increase cholesterol. Refined carbohydrate intake: A diet high in refined carbohydrates and sugars can also lead to elevated cholesterol.

Chili with no meat is very very good for you, with lots of lean protein and fiber from the beans, and other nutrients coming from the sauce (usually tomato and veg based). If you add meat, don't add too much and try to avoid high fat ground meat. Try turkey, chicken, or tofu instead.

Is chili good or bad for cholesterol? ›

Research has shown that cultures that consume the most chili peppers have a lower incidence of heart attacks and strokes. That's because these pungent peppers can lower your LDL cholesterol levels, which is known as the “bad” cholesterol, while raising your “good” HDL cholesterol levels.

Chili cooks low and slow, so you need enough liquid to tenderize the meat and keep everything from drying out. That liquid should also add flavor to the chili, so use chicken, beef, or vegetable stock, or beer.

Cornmeal does an excellent job of absorbing extra liquids so adding a tablespoon of it to the chili will thicken the final dish. Mix 2 parts of cold water and 1 part of cornmeal, make it a slurry, and add this to the pot. Allow it to simmer for about 10 minutes after you add the slurry.

Tomato paste. This is probably the easiest and maybe most common addition to add thickness to a chili recipe. Tomato paste is super thick and not only adds texture but adds a richer and deeper flavor to chili.

Add more water or tomato sauce if it's too thick. Keeping the lid on can keep the steam in resulting in thinner chili. Also, if I cook chili in the crock pot it is usually thinner, as the lid collects the steam rather than it evaporating.

Whisk together milk (any kind) and flour (gluten free, if you need it!) in a small dish then pour into the chili and stir to combine. Cover and cook on high for 30 minutes. This will give the chili just a touch of velvety thickness.

The cream cheese really helps to thicken up this chili, and the longer it simmers, the thicker it will get. If it's still too watery or soupy, make a slurry (1 tbsp of cold water and 1 tbsp of flour or cornstarch) to stir in.