Cheesy White Chili with Cauliflower

Cheesy White Chili with Cauliflower

Yield: Serves 6 to 8

INGREDIENTS

1 tbsp (15 ml) vegetable oil
2 onions, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp (15 ml) cumin seeds
1 tbsp (15 ml) dried oregano leaves
1 tbsp (15 ml) chili powder
1 tsp (5 ml) salt
1/2 tsp (2 ml) cracked black peppercorns
1 can (14 to 19 oz/398 to 540 mL) white kidney beans, drained and rinsed, or 1 cup (250 mL) dried white kidney beans, cooked and drained
3 cups (750 ml) vegetable stock
1 to 2 jalape�o peppers, minced
1 green bell pepper, diced
2 cups (500 ml) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
4 oz (125 g) cream cheese, cut into 1/2-inch (1 cm) cubes and softened (optional)
1 can (4.5 oz/127 mL) chopped mild green chilies (optional)
Finely chopped green onions (optional)
Finely chopped cilantro (optional)
3 cups (750 ml) cauliflower florets, cooked for 4 minutes in salted boiling water and drained

Directions

1. In a skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add onions and cook, stirring, until softened, about 3 minutes. Add garlic, cumin seeds, oregano, chili powder, salt and peppercorns and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Transfer mixture to slow cooker stoneware. Add beans and stock and stir to combine.

2. Cover and cook on Low for 8 to 10 hours or on High for 4 to 5 hours, until hot and bubbling.

3. Stir in cauliflower, jalape�o pepper, green pepper, Monterey Jack cheese, and cream cheese and chilies, if using. Cover and cook on High for 25 to 30 minutes, until green peppers are softened and cauliflower is heated through. Ladle into bowls and garnish as desired.

Notes
If you prefer a thicker chili, mash some or all of the beans or pur�e in a food processor before adding to the recipe.

If you are assembling this chili the night before you plan to serve it, for convenience, chop the peppers and cook the cauliflower, as well. Cover and refrigerate until ready to add to the recipe in Step 3.

Make ahead: This chili can be partially prepared the night before it is cooked. Complete Step 1. Cover and refrigerate overnight. The next morning, continue cooking as directed.