This offbeat chili is a pleasant introduction to whole hominy, if you’ve never tried it before. You’ll find hominy near other canned corn products on supermarket shelves.

　　

Ingredients

6 to 8 servings

　　1 tablespoon olive oil

　　1 large onion, chopped

　　2 cloves garlic, minced

　　1 medium red or green bell pepper, cut into short, narrow strips

　　2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced

　　2 cups water

　　One 16-ounce can great northern beans, drained and rinsed

　　One 16-ounce can whole white hominy

　　One 16-ounce can salt-free diced tomatoes, undrained

　　1 cup frozen corn kernels, thawed

　　One 4-ounce can chopped mild green chilies, or 1 to 2 chopped canned chipotle chilies in adobo, more or less to taste (see Note)

　　2 teaspoons ground cumin

　　1 teaspoon dried oregano

　　1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro or parsley

　　Salt to taste

　　Dried hot red pepper flakes to taste, optional

　　

Step 1

Heat the oil in a large soup pot. Add the onion and sauté over medium-low heat until translucent. Add the garlic and continue to sauté until the onion is golden.

　　

Step 2

Stir in the bell pepper, sweet potatoes, and water. Bring to a rapid simmer, then lower the heat. Cover and simmer gently until the sweet potatoes are just tender but still firm, about 10 to 15 minutes.

　　

Step 3

Add the beans, hominy, tomatoes, corn, chilies, cumin, and oregano. Simmer gently for 20 to 25 minutes longer. Stir in the cilantro, and taste first before adding any salt. You may not need any due to the canned beans and hominy. If desired, season with red pepper flakes if you are not using chipotles.

　　

Step 4

The stew should have the consistency of a thick chili—moist, but not soupy. Add a bit more water if too thick. Serve at once, or let stand off the heat for an hour or so, then heat through before serving.

　　

Nutrition Information

Step 5

Per serving:

　　

Step 6

Calories: 228

　　

Step 7

Total fat: 3g

　　

Step 8

Protein: 8g

　　

Step 9

Fiber: 9g

　　

Step 10

Carbohydrate: 44g

　　

Step 11

Cholesterol: 0mg

　　

Step 12

Sodium: 222mg

　　Cooks' Note

　　Using chipotle chilies will give this stew a smoky flavor, and will be spicier than if using mild green chilies.

　　Vegan Soups and Hearty Stews for All Seasons