Vegan White Chickpea Chili

This Vegan White Chickpea Chili is a comforting dish that brings a delightful twist to the classic white chicken chili. Packed with nutritious veggies, hearty beans, and spices, it creates a deliciously creamy broth thanks to the coconut milk. This recipe is perfect for cozy family dinners, meal prep, or even as a crowd-pleasing option at gatherings. Enjoy its rich flavors and satisfying texture while keeping things plant-based!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This chili comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavor-Packed: With spices like cumin and chili powder combined with creamy coconut milk, every spoonful is bursting with flavor.
• Versatile: Customize your toppings with fresh cilantro, jalapenos, or tortilla strips to suit your taste.
• Nutritious: Loaded with fiber-rich chickpeas and nutritious vegetables, this dish is not just tasty but also healthy.
• Family-Friendly: Even non-vegans will love this comforting bowl of chili; it’s sure to be a hit with everyone.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth, gather all necessary tools before you start. Having everything on hand ensures you can focus on creating this delicious vegan white chickpea chili.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Measuring spoons
• Wooden spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Essential for cooking the chili evenly and allowing all ingredients to meld beautifully.
• Chef’s knife: A sharp knife makes chopping vegetables easy and safe.
• Measuring spoons: Accurate measurements ensure the right balance of spices for optimal flavor.

Ingredients

This Vegan 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!

For the Base

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

For the Beans

• 2 (15 oz.) cans garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz.) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed

For the Broth

• 16 oz. salsa verde (green salsa)
• 1 (13.5 oz.) full fat coconut milk
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• juice of 1 lime (about 2 tablespoons)

Seasoning and Toppings

• 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 for about 5 minutes until softened.

Step 3: Add Spices

Stir in 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 browned bits to incorporate those flavors.

Step 5: Combine Main Ingredients

Add garbanzo beans, pinto beans, salsa verde, coconut milk, and remaining vegetable broth along with a couple pinches of salt and pepper. Stir everything together.

Step 6: Bring to Simmer

Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat while stirring occasionally.

Step 7: Simmer Gently

Reduce heat to medium-low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes so flavors can develop.

Step 8: Add Lime Juice

Stir in fresh lime juice and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Step 9: Serve with Toppings

Garnish each bowl with your favorite toppings like tortilla strips or fresh cilantro before enjoying!

How to Serve Vegan White Chickpea Chili

Serving Vegan White Chickpea Chili can elevate your meal experience. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy night in, these suggestions will enhance the flavors and presentation of this delicious dish.

With Toppings

• Tortilla Strips: Homemade fried tortilla strips add a delightful crunch and texture.
• Sour Cream: Use dairy-free sour cream for a creamy contrast that complements the spices.
• Cilantro: Fresh chopped cilantro brings brightness and freshness to each bowl.
• Sliced Jalapeno: For those who enjoy heat, sliced jalapenos are a perfect spicy addition.
• Lime Wedges: A squeeze of lime juice adds a zesty finish that brightens the chili.

As a Main Dish

• Serve with Rice: Pairing the chili with rice makes it more filling and satisfying.
• Over Quinoa: This gluten-free grain offers added protein and texture when serving the chili.

In a Bread Bowl

• Bread Bowls: Hollow out crusty bread loaves and serve the chili inside for a fun and edible presentation.

How to Perfect Vegan White Chickpea Chili

To ensure your Vegan White Chickpea Chili is as delicious as possible, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables enhance the flavor and nutrition of your chili.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Customize the heat by adding more or less jalapeno or chili powder.
• Let it Simmer Longer: Allowing the chili to simmer longer develops deeper flavors.
• Experiment with Beans: Mix different beans like black beans for added texture and taste.
• Taste Before Serving: Always taste before serving to adjust seasoning as needed.

Best Side Dishes for Vegan White Chickpea Chili

Pairing side dishes with your Vegan White Chickpea Chili can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Cornbread: Sweet or savory cornbread complements the spiciness of the chili perfectly.
2. Guacamole: A creamy guacamole adds richness and balances the heat from the chili.
3. Simple Green Salad: A fresh salad provides crunch and lightness alongside your hearty dish.
4. Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf infused with herbs enhances flavors and is filling.
5. Baked Tortilla Chips: Crunchy baked chips are great for dipping and adding extra texture.
6. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies bring additional nutrition and flavor variety to the table.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Vegan White Chickpea Chili can be simple, but some common mistakes can affect the dish’s flavor and texture.

• Overcooking the Vegetables: Cooking the vegetables too long can make them mushy. Aim for a tender yet crisp texture by sautéing them just until they soften.
• Not Seasoning Enough: Without sufficient seasoning, your chili might taste bland. Always taste and adjust salt and spices as you go to ensure flavor is balanced.
• Ignoring the Beans: Using old or improperly cooked beans can ruin your chili. Make sure your garbanzo and pinto beans are fresh and well-rinsed before adding to the pot.
• Skipping the Fresh Ingredients: Fresh lime juice and cilantro add brightness. Don’t skip these ingredients; they enhance the overall flavor profile of your chili.
• Using Low-Quality Salsa Verde: The salsa verde is a key component. Choose a high-quality brand or make your own for the best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Let it cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation.

Freezing Vegan White Chickpea Chili

• Freeze in individual portions for easy reheating.
• Use freezer-safe containers or bags, ensuring you leave space for expansion.

Reheating Vegan White Chickpea Chili

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Vegan White Chickpea Chili that may help you perfect your dish.

Can I use other types of beans for Vegan White Chickpea Chili?

Yes! You can substitute with black beans or kidney beans if you prefer.

How do I make Vegan White Chickpea Chili spicier?

Add more jalapeno or a dash of cayenne pepper during cooking for extra heat.

What toppings work well with Vegan White Chickpea Chili?

Toppings like avocado, fresh cilantro, and tortilla strips enhance both flavor and presentation.

Is this Vegan White Chickpea Chili gluten-free?

Yes! All ingredients used in this recipe are naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Can I meal prep this Vegan White Chickpea Chili?

Absolutely! It stores well in the fridge or freezer, making it perfect for meal prep.

Final Thoughts

Vegan White Chickpea Chili is not only easy to make but also packed with flavor and nutrition. This dish is versatile; feel free to customize it with your favorite veggies or spices. Enjoy it as a comforting meal any day of the week!