SOUTHWESTERN BEAN CHOWDER

Southwestern Bean Chowder image

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

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch

Time 55m

Yield 8 servings (2 quarts).

Number Of Ingredients 16

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

Steps:

In a small bowl, mash 1 can beans with a fork; set aside., 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., 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 : Calories 236 calories, Fat 8g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 20mg cholesterol, Sodium 670mg sodium, Carbohydrate 31g carbohydrate (6g sugars, Fiber 6g fiber), Protein 11g protein. Diabetic Exchanges