Creamy Cauliflower White Chili Bake
Indulge in the rich and velvety goodness of this Creamy Cauliflower White Chili Bake. This comforting dish combines the delicate flavors of cauliflower and white beans with a medley of spices and creamy cheeses. Enhanced by the warmth of jalapeños and the freshness of bell peppers, each bowl offers a delightful balance of zest and heartiness. Perfect for cool evenings, it pairs wonderfully with crusty bread and a refreshing side salad of tomatoes drizzled in vinaigrette. You can easily adjust the chili's thickness by mashing the beans or blending part of the mixture for a smoother texture. Comfort food has never been so elegant and satisfying!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
18
Ingredients
Ingredients
Vegetable oil
1 tablespoon (None)
Onions
2 (Finely chopped)
Garlic cloves
2 (Minced)
Jalapeno pepper
1-2 (Minced)
Cumin seed
1 tablespoon (None)
Dried oregano leaves
1 tablespoon (None)
Chili powder
1 tablespoon (None)
Salt
1 teaspoon (None)
Black peppercorns
1/2 teaspoon (Cracked)
White kidney beans
1 (19 ounce) can (Drained and rinsed, or use 1 cup dried beans soaked overnight, cooked and drained)
Vegetable stock
3 cups (None)
Cauliflower florets
3 cups (Cooked for 4 minutes in salted boiling water and drained)
Green bell pepper
1 (Cut into thin strips)
Monterey Jack cheese
2 cups (Shredded)
Cream cheese
4 ounces (Cut into 1/2 inch cubes)
Chopped mild green chilies
1 (4 1/2 ounce) can (Optional)
Green onion
To taste (Finely chopped, for garnish (optional))
Fresh cilantro
To taste (Finely chopped, for garnish (optional))
Instructions
1
In a skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and cook until they become soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
2
Stir in the minced garlic, jalapeño pepper, cumin seeds, oregano, chili powder, salt, and cracked black peppercorns. Cook for an additional minute, allowing the spices to bloom.
3
Transfer the sautéed mixture to the stoneware of your slow cooker. Add the drained and rinsed white kidney beans along with the vegetable stock, and stir everything together until well combined.
4
Cover the slow cooker and set it to LOW for 8 to 10 hours or HIGH for 4 to 5 hours, until the chili is hot and bubbling.
5
About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the precooked cauliflower florets, green bell pepper strips, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, cream cheese cubes, and optional mild green chilies.
6
Cover the slow cooker again and continue to cook on HIGH for an additional 25 to 30 minutes, until the green peppers are softened and the cauliflower is heated through.
7
Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with finely chopped green onions and fresh cilantro, if desired. Enjoy your creamy and delicious chili!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Cauliflower White Chili Bake?
It is a rich and velvety comforting dish that combines cauliflower and white beans with a medley of spices and creamy cheeses.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, the recipe uses vegetable stock and plant-based main ingredients, making it suitable for vegetarians.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 18 ingredients listed, including spices and optional garnishes.
What kind of beans are used?
The recipe calls for one 19-ounce can of white kidney beans, also known as Cannellini beans.
Can I use dried beans instead of canned?
Yes, you can use 1 cup of dried beans that have been soaked overnight, cooked, and drained.
What vegetables are included in the chili?
The chili includes cauliflower, onions, garlic, jalapeño peppers, and green bell peppers.
How long does it take to cook in a slow cooker on LOW?
It takes between 8 and 10 hours when set to the LOW setting.
How long does it take to cook in a slow cooker on HIGH?
It takes between 4 and 5 hours when set to the HIGH setting.
What spices are used in this dish?
The spice profile includes cumin seed, dried oregano, chili powder, salt, and cracked black peppercorns.
How do I prepare the cauliflower for this recipe?
The cauliflower florets should be precooked for 4 minutes in salted boiling water and drained before being added to the slow cooker.
What cheeses are added to the chili?
The recipe uses shredded Monterey Jack cheese and 4 ounces of cream cheese cut into cubes.
Is the dish spicy?
The dish has a zesty flavor profile due to the jalapeño peppers, chili powder, and optional mild green chilies.
How can I adjust the chili's thickness?
You can adjust the thickness by mashing some of the beans or blending part of the mixture for a smoother texture.
What garnishes are recommended for serving?
The recommended garnishes are finely chopped green onions and fresh cilantro.
What are the optional ingredients in this recipe?
Optional ingredients include chopped mild green chilies, green onions, and fresh cilantro.
When should I add the cream cheese and Monterey Jack?
Add the cheeses about 30 minutes before serving, along with the cauliflower and green peppers.
How should I cook the onions initially?
Sauté the finely chopped onions in vegetable oil over medium heat for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent.
What type of bell pepper is used?
The recipe calls for one green bell pepper cut into thin strips.
What are the suggested side dishes?
This chili pairs wonderfully with crusty bread and a refreshing side salad of tomatoes drizzled in vinaigrette.
How many onions are required?
The recipe requires two finely chopped onions.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
You will need two minced garlic cloves.
How much vegetable stock is used?
The recipe uses 3 cups of vegetable stock.
How is the jalapeño prepared?
Use 1 to 2 jalapeño peppers, which should be minced.
When do I add the green bell peppers?
Add the green bell pepper strips during the final 30 minutes of cooking on the HIGH setting.
How much cumin seed is required?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of cumin seed.
What is the amount of cream cheese used?
The recipe uses 4 ounces of cream cheese, cut into 1/2 inch cubes.
What type of oil is recommended for sautéing?
1 tablespoon of vegetable oil is recommended.
How much Monterey Jack cheese should I use?
The recipe requires 2 cups of shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
Can I use a different type of bean?
While white kidney beans are specified, other white beans like Great Northern or Navy beans can work as substitutes.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is to heat vegetable oil in a skillet and cook the chopped onions until soft.