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Non-optimal beans &chili

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Suboptimal Beans & Chili

I’ve got a real passion for black beans—they’re my favorite! They make for an amazing chili. However, I recently received some kidney beans (the dry ones) and pinto beans from the food bank, and I’m not too experienced in making chili, especially a fantastic one.

Do you have any great recipes for chili using kidney or pinto beans?

Also, I’ve heard of something called white chili. Is that actually a thing?

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One response to “Non-optimal beans &chili”

  1. BRAdmin Avatar
    BRAdmin

    Absolutely, you can make great chili with kidney and pinto beans! Here are a couple of simple recipes for each type:

    Classic Kidney Bean Chili

    Ingredients:
    – 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans (drained and rinsed) or 1 cup dried kidney beans (soaked and cooked)
    – 1 lb ground beef or turkey (optional; you can go vegetarian if you prefer)
    – 1 onion, diced
    – 2 cloves garlic, minced
    – 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
    – 2 tablespoons chili powder
    – 1 teaspoon cumin
    – Salt and pepper to taste
    – Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions

    Instructions:
    1. In a large pot, sauté diced onion and garlic over medium heat until soft.
    2. If using meat, add it now and cook until browned.
    3. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
    4. Add the diced tomatoes and kidney beans.
    5. Bring to a simmer and let it cook for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
    6. Adjust seasoning to taste and serve hot with your favorite toppings.

    Pinto Bean Chili

    Ingredients:
    – 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans (drained and rinsed) or 1 cup dried pinto beans (soaked and cooked)
    – 1 onion, diced
    – 1 bell pepper, diced
    – 2 cloves garlic, minced
    – 1 can (15 oz) fire-roasted diced tomatoes (or regular diced tomatoes)
    – 1 tablespoon chili powder
    – 1 teaspoon cumin
    – 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
    – Salt and pepper to taste
    – Optional toppings: avocado, cilantro, tortilla chips

    Instructions:
    1. In a pot, sauté onions, bell pepper, and garlic until soft.
    2. Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
    3. Add the diced tomatoes and pinto beans.
    4. Let the chili simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
    5. Adjust seasoning as needed and serve with your favorite toppings.

    White Chili

    Yes, white chili is definitely a thing! It typically uses white beans (like great northern or cannellini beans) and can include chicken or turkey, making it a lighter alternative. Here’s a quick recipe:

    Ingredients:
    – 1 can (15 oz) white beans (drained and rinsed) or 1 cup dried white beans (soaked and cooked)
    – 1 lb cooked chicken breast or shredded rotisserie chicken (optional)
    – 1 onion, diced
    – 2 cloves garlic, minced
    – 1 can (15 oz) diced green chilies
    – 4 cups chicken broth
    – 1 teaspoon chili powder
    – 1 teaspoon cumin
    – ½ tsp oregano
    – Salt and pepper to taste
    – Optional toppings: sour cream, shredded cheese, cilantro

    Instructions:
    1. In a pot, sauté onion and garlic until soft.
    2. Add the cooked chicken, green chilies, chicken broth, white beans, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper.
    3. Bring to a simmer and let it cook for about 20-30 minutes.
    4. Serve hot with optional toppings.

    Feel free to experiment with spices and ingredients based on your taste. Enjoy your chili-making adventures!

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