Spicy Blackened Shrimp and Hearty White Bean Chili
This delightful chili combines the robust flavors of blackened shrimp with the creamy texture of white beans, creating a comforting dish that warms both the body and soul. Inspired by classic chili recipes, this version packs a punch with fresh chilies and aromatic herbs. For those who crave extra heat, leave in some of the chile seeds for a fiery kick. Using fresh herbs instead of dried enhances the flavors beautifully, making this a vibrant and satisfying meal perfect for gatherings or cozy evenings at home.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
19
Ingredients
Ingredients
Dried great northern beans
3/4 lb (Rinse and soak)
Olive oil
6 tablespoons (divided)
Fresh green anaheim chilies
4 (Stemmed and coarsely chopped)
Fresh red serrano chilies
2 (Stemmed, seeded, and coarsely chopped)
Fresh jalapeno chile
1 (Stemmed and seeded)
Garlic cloves
2 medium (Finely chopped)
Onion
1 medium (Finely chopped)
Chicken broth
4 cups (Ready to use)
Tomatillo
1-2 (Coarsely chopped)
Dried oregano
1 tablespoon (Use fresh for more flavor)
Dried basil
1/2 tablespoon (Use fresh for more flavor)
Dried thyme
1 teaspoon (Use fresh for more flavor)
Bay leaf
1 (Remove before serving)
Salt
1/2 tablespoon (To taste)
White pepper
1 teaspoon (To taste)
Unsalted butter
1/4 cup (Melted, divided)
Medium hot pure chile powder
1 tablespoon (Ready to use)
Sweet paprika
1 tablespoon (Ready to use)
Medium shrimp
1 1/2 lbs (Shelled and deveined)
Instructions
1
Begin by placing the dried great northern beans in a large saucepan and covering them with cold water. Bring the water to a boil over high heat and let it boil briskly for 5 minutes. After that, remove from heat and allow the beans to soak for 1 hour.
2
Drain the soaked beans, rinse them under cold running water, and set them aside.
3
In the same saucepan, heat 4 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped anaheim, serrano, and jalapeno chilies, along with the finely chopped garlic and onion. Sauté the mixture until the onion becomes transparent, which will take about 5 to 6 minutes.
4
Add the drained beans, chicken broth, coarsely chopped tomatillos, dried oregano, basil, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and white pepper into the saucepan. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a boil.
5
Once boiling, reduce the heat and cover the saucepan. Allow the chili to simmer until the beans are tender, which should take about 1.5 hours. Keep an eye on the pot and add a little water if necessary to ensure the beans remain barely covered.
6
About 30 minutes before the beans are fully cooked, prepare the shrimp. In a small bowl, mix together half of the melted butter with the medium hot chili powder and sweet paprika. Adjust the spices based on your heat preference.
7
Rub the butter mixture evenly over the shrimp, coating each piece well.
8
In a cast-iron skillet (or on your outdoor grill, as preferred), heat the remaining oil and butter over medium-high heat until it begins to smoke slightly.
9
Carefully add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet and sauté them until they are fully cooked and slightly blackened, which should taken about 1.5 to 2 minutes.
10
Once the beans are tender, remove the bay leaf from the chili. Ladle the chili into bowls, topping each serving with the blackened shrimp. For an extra touch, garnish with any remaining fresh herbs.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is called Spicy Blackened Shrimp and Hearty White Bean Chili.
What type of beans are used in this chili?
The recipe uses 3/4 lb of dried great northern beans.
How long should the beans be soaked?
The beans should be boiled for 5 minutes and then allowed to soak for 1 hour.
What type of shrimp is required?
You will need 1 1/2 lbs of medium shrimp, which should be shelled and deveined.
How can I make the chili spicier?
To increase the heat, you can leave in some of the chile seeds for a fiery kick.
What specific chilies are included in the ingredients?
The recipe calls for green anaheim chilies, red serrano chilies, and one jalapeno chile.
How long does the chili need to simmer?
The chili should simmer for approximately 1.5 hours or until the beans are tender.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried ones?
Yes, using fresh herbs instead of dried enhances the flavors and makes the meal more vibrant.
What spices are used for the shrimp seasoning?
The shrimp are seasoned with medium hot pure chile powder and sweet paprika mixed with melted butter.
How do you cook the shrimp?
Sauté the seasoned shrimp in a skillet for 1.5 to 2 minutes until they are fully cooked and slightly blackened.
What equipment is recommended for blackening the shrimp?
A cast-iron skillet is recommended, although an outdoor grill can also be used.
Are there any tomatillos in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes 1-2 coarsely chopped tomatillos.
How much olive oil is needed in total?
A total of 6 tablespoons of olive oil is used, divided between different steps.
When should I remove the bay leaf?
The bay leaf should be removed from the chili once the beans are tender and before serving.
Is there butter in this recipe?
Yes, 1/4 cup of melted unsalted butter is used for seasoning and cooking the shrimp.
How much chicken broth is required?
The recipe calls for 4 cups of chicken broth.
What is the preparation for the garlic?
Two medium garlic cloves should be finely chopped.
What should I do if the beans are not covered while simmering?
You should add a little water if necessary to ensure the beans remain barely covered during the simmering process.
What type of pepper is used for seasoning?
One teaspoon of white pepper is used for seasoning.
How should the onion be prepared?
One medium onion should be finely chopped.
What are the dried herbs used in this recipe?
The dried herbs used are oregano, basil, and thyme.
What kind of paprika is used for the shrimp?
Sweet paprika is used for the shrimp rub.
How do you serve this dish?
Ladle the chili into bowls and top each serving with the blackened shrimp and optional fresh herbs.
Is salt included in the chili ingredients?
Yes, 1/2 tablespoon of salt is added to the bean mixture.
What should the onion look like after sautéing?
The onion should be sautéed until it becomes transparent, which takes about 5 to 6 minutes.
How are the anaheim chilies prepared?
They should be stemmed and coarsely chopped.
How are the serrano chilies prepared?
They should be stemmed, seeded, and coarsely chopped.
What category of food does this fall into?
This dish is categorized as a chili and is also considered a hearty southwestern soup or comfort food.
Should the beans be rinsed?
Yes, after soaking for an hour, the beans should be drained and rinsed under cold running water.