White Bean Chili With Jalapeno Bulgur (Recipe)

From Real Simple

Christopher Baker

Serves 4 Hands-On Time: 20m Total Time: 30m

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup bulgur wheat
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 2 scallions, thinly sliced
• 1 jalapeno, seeded and chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• kosher salt and black pepper
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes
• 2 15-ounce cans cannellini beans, rinsed

Directions

1. Bring 1 cup water to a boil. Add the bulgur and simmer, covered, until all the water is absorbed and the bulgur is tender, 12 to 15 minutes. Stir in the lemon juice, scallions, jalapeño, 1 tablespoon of the oil, and ¼ teaspoon each salt and pepper.
2. Meanwhile, heat the remaining tablespoon of oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the onion and bell pepper and cook until tender, 6 to 8 minutes. Add the garlic, cumin, chili powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper and cook until fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes.
3. Add the tomatoes and their liquid and 1½ cups water to the onion mixture; bring to a boil. Add the beans and simmer until slightly thickened, 8 to 10 minutes. Divide the chili among bowls and top with the bulgur.
   
   To freeze: Omit the bulgur. Make the chili as directed. Cool to room temperature and divide among freezer containers or bags. Freeze for up to 3 months.
   
   To cook: Thaw the chili in a bowl of cold water or overnight in the refrigerator. Transfer to a pot and cook, covered, stirring occasionally, until heated through, 10 to 20 minutes. Meanwhile, cook the bulgur. Top the chili as directed.

By Kate Merker, September 2009