White Bean "Chicken" Chili Vegan!

This savory vegan white bean “chicken” chili is made with jackfruit, and it’s guaranteed to fool your carnivorous friends. Shhhhh…..

You’ll Need:

• 2 tablespoons of avocado oil
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil (optional) - it can be added for a more viscous texture.
• 1 large Vidalia onion – chopped
• 4 celery ribs – chopped
• 1 yellow bell pepper – seeds removed and chopped
• 1 Anaheim pepper – seeds removed and chopped
• 5 cloves of garlic – minced
• 4 15 ounce cans of Great Northern white beans – drained and rinsed well
• 1 quart of no-chicken or regular vegetable broth
• 5 cups of water
• 1 cup of white wine
• 3 tablespoons of cumin
• 1 tablespoon of ground sea salt – you can add less or more according to your taste and dietary needs
• 1/2 teaspoon of dried ground oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon of dried ground sage
• 1/2 teaspoon of dried ground parsley
• 1/8 teaspoon of white pepper
• 1 17 ounce can of jack fruit in water – chopped
• 1/4 cup of cornmeal + 4 tablespoons of water – stir until smooth
• 1/2 cup of chopped cilantro

Instructions:

Heat the 2 tbsp olive oil in a large stock pot on medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the onions and celery and cook until they begin to soften. Approximately 5 minutes.
Add the jackfruit, bell and jalapeno peppers and cook for approximately 5 minutes, or until softened. Stir occasionally.
Add the garlic and cook for 2 minutes. Add the beans, the 3tbsp cumin, 1 tsp ground oregano, 1 tsp grounds sage, 1 tsp ground parsley, and 1/4 tsp white pepper, and stir. Cook for 2 minutes so the spices release their oil. This creates the best flavor.
Add the 1 quart of broth, 5 cups of water and stir until combined. Bring to a boil and then reduce the heat to low. Cook for 45 minutes stirring occasionally. Reduce the heat if the bottom begins to scorch.
Add the cornmeal and water mixture and salt and pepper to taste, stir well. Cook for another 15 minutes or until the chili thickens. Add the cilantro and stir. Serve hot.

Notes:

1. To shred the jackfruit, you can use your hands, a knife, or a food processor.
2. To cook in a slow cooker:
3. For best results, saute the vegetable, jackfruit, and spices in a pan to bring out the best flavor, then add to the slow cooker with the beans, broth and water.
4. Cook on a low setting for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours.
5. Add the corn meal mixture and salt and pepper to taste, stir to combine and cook for another 15 minutes.
6. Stir in the cilantro before serving.