As the weather gets cooler and the days get shorter, I am always drawn to comfort foods. Maybe my body knows that winter is coming and we need to fortify ourselves for the cold days ahead!I have made this recipe many times before (see MyRecipe.com). This time however, I got the urge to experiment with the wonderful fall harvest vegetables I received from my Angelic Organics farmshare. This recipe seemed the perfect way to put them to use!
The result is a simply delicious chili featuring carrots, parsnips, bell pepper, spinach and celery! I even snuck in some ground flaxseed to thicken the "broth," which added more beneficial fiber and healthy omega 3 fatty acids!
But don't tell my family, they just think it tastes good!
Note: You can make a double batch of this recipe and freeze a portion for up to 3 months. Just omit the pesto and add it when the chili is thawed. This is a great way to have a meal ready when you don't have the time to cook!
White Chili with a Pesto Twist
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients:
2 teaspoons coconut oil or oil of choice for cooking
3/4 cup finely chopped onion
3/4 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast, cut into cubes
1 parsnip, finely sliced
1 1/2 cups finely chopped carrots
3/4 cup finely chopped red, yellow or orange bell pepper
3/4 cup thinly sliced celery
1/2 cup (about 1/2 of a 7 oz. can) chopped green chiles or one fresh green chili, finely chopped
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1 (16 oz.) can black-eyed peas or other white beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup packed spinach leaves
2 cups unsalted chicken stock (I like Kitchen Basics brand)
1 to 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed
3 tablespoons prepared pesto (or make your own!)
Directions
- Heat oil in Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add onion and chicken, saute 5 minutes.
- Add parsnip, carrot, bell pepper and celery. Saute 4 minutes more.
- Add chilis and the next 8 ingredients (through broth.) Bring to a boil.
- Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 25 minutes. Stir in flaxseed and pesto to heat through and serve.
