Southwestern Bean Chowder

Total Time

Prep: 20 min. Cook: 35 min.

Makes

8 servings (2 quarts)

Updated: Oct. 14, 2022
Even though there is a bit of heat from the spices and green chiles, my young children love this soup as much as my husband does. I like using white kidney beans—they have a terrific texture. —Juli Meyers, Hinesville, Georgia
Southwestern Bean Chowder Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Ingredients

  • 2 cans (15 ounces each) cannellini beans, rinsed and drained, divided
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1/4 cup chopped celery
  • 1/4 cup chopped green pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 cups vegetable broth
  • 1-1/2 cups frozen corn, thawed
  • 1 medium carrot, shredded
  • 1 can (4 ounces) chopped green chiles
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 4-1/2 teaspoons cornstarch
  • 2 cups 2% milk
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • Minced fresh cilantro and additional shredded cheddar cheese, optional

Directions

  1. In a small bowl, mash 1 can beans with a fork; set aside.
  2. In a Dutch oven, saute the onion, celery and pepper in oil until tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Stir in the mashed beans, broth, corn, carrot, chiles, cumin, chili powder and remaining beans. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 20 minutes.
  3. Combine cornstarch and milk until smooth. Stir into bean mixture. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Stir in cheese until melted. Serve with cilantro and additional cheese if desired.

Nutrition Facts

1 cup: 236 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 670mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 6g fiber), 11g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 lean meat, 1/2 fat.