White Chili

We had White Chili for dinner last week and it was pretty amazing. I must confess that with the exception of vegetarian versions, I’ve only ever cooked traditional chili. Needless to say, I was a little sceptical about what this chili would taste like. Everyone loved it and I even went back for seconds. This recipe is certainly a keeper!

Adapted from Pioneer Woman

Ingredients:

1 whole fryer chicken, cut up [or 3 cups cooked chicken]

1 whole medium onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 whole cans green chilies, chopped
1 pound dried great northern beans, rinsed
8 cups chicken broth
1-1/2 tablespoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Salt to taste
White pepper, to taste
1 cup reduced-fat milk
2 tablespoons Cornmeal
Grated monterey jack cheese [or your favorite cheese], to taste

Directions:

Cover chicken and cook for 20 to 30 minutes or until done. Remove meat from bones. Set aside.

In a dutch oven over medium-high heat, saute onions and garlic for 2 minutes. Add chopped green chilies, then rinsed beans. Pour chicken broth into the pan. Add sliced jalapenos. Season with salt, pepper, and cumin. Place lid on pot and reduce heat to low.

Cook for 2 hours or until beans are done. Halfway through the cooking process, add 3 cups of cooked chicken.

When beans are tender, mix milk with cornmeal and pour into the chili. Cook for an additional ten minutes to thicken. Check seasoning and adjust, adding cayenne pepper and paprika if desired.

Add some cheese to the pot and stir to melt.

Optional: Garnish with cilantro, sour cream, extra cheese---even pico de gallo and guacamole, if you have some on hand. Roll up warm corn tortillas and serve on the side of the bowl.