Recipe: White Chicken Chili

It's hard to believe it's October already, but fall is definitely in the air - and you know what that means! Chili!  :-)  Fall is my favorite time of year for cooking - with tons of fresh ingredients still coming in from the garden, and cool fall nights perfect for hearty soups and stews.  It's the best of all worlds, when it comes to cooking up good food!

This recipe is a great one for a cool fall evening - packed with tasty flavors of spices and chilies, along with chicken and white beans to satisfy your hunger. You can also cook dry white beans for this instead of using canned - soak 2 cups white beans overnight in cold water, drain, rinse, and cook for about 45 minutes before adding to the rest of the ingredients.

White Chicken Chili

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, finely minced
2 teaspoon cumin
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 can green chilies, drained and minced
4 cans white beans
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups cooked chicken meat, shredded
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Directions:

• Add olive oil, onion and garlic to large, unheated soup pot or dutch oven. Turn to medium heat and sauté onion and garlic until soft (about 10 - 15 minutes).
• Add cumin, cayenne, salt and pepper and stir well. Add green chilies, chicken broth, shredded chicken, and 2.5 cans of beans, rinsed and drained. Simmer uncovered 15 minutes.
• Meanwhile, puree remaining 1.5 cans of rinsed and drained beans in blender or food processor, along with 1/2 cup of water or chicken broth. 
• Add to soup to thicken. Simmer 5 more minutes. 
• Remove from heat and stir in cheese until melted. 
• Serve warm with crusty french bread.

Recipe: Healthy Quinoa Chipotle Bean Chili

This delicious and healthy recipe is packed with protein, fresh veggies, and spices for a flavorful, hearty winter meal that will fill you up without derailing your New Year's weight loss goals! For less salt and more flavor, cook your own beans instead of using canned - it's easy - just soak in cold water with a pinch of baking soda overnight, then drain, rinse, and cook for about 40 minutes to an hour before adding to the rest of the chili ingredients.

Healthy Quinoa Chipotle Bean Chili
(Serves 4.)

Ingredients:

This recipe contains lots of fresh, healthy veggies like these. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

1/2 cup uncooked quinoa
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 celery stalk, diced
1/2 green bell pepper, diced
1/2 red bell pepper, diced
1 small yellow onion, diced
2 Tbsp minced jalapeno pepper
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp cumin powder
2 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp dried chopped basil
1/2 tsp dried chopped thyme
1/2 tsp dried marjoram leaf
1/4 tsp chipotle pepper powder
1/8 tsp ground black pepper
1 bay leaf
3 cups water
1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1/4 cup tomato paste mixed with 3/4 cup water
1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup chopped cilantro (for garnish)

Directions:

1. If the quinoa is not pre-rinsed, soak the quinoa for 15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly and drain well. (If you do not do this it could taste bitter when cooked.)
2. Heat the oil on medium-high in a Dutch oven or large soup pot.  Add the celery, both bell peppers, and onion, and cook stirring for 3 to 5 minutes or until vegetables soften a little.
3. Add the jalapeno and garlic and cook for 1 minute.
4. Stir in the spices and herbs, and cook for 1 minute.
5. Add the water, beans, tomato sauce mixed with water and quinoa, bring to a boil, cover, and simmer 20 minutes or until quinoa is cooked. 
6. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, taste and adjust for flavor.
7. Serve hot in big bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro.

Recipe: Louisiana Crockpot Chili

Chili is a natural fit for the slow cooker, with a medley of ingredients and spices that blend together over several hours of low-heat cooking, creating layers of hearty flavor. This Cajun version includes the Louisiana flavors of sausage, pork, red pepper, and tomatoes for a delicious twist on chili that will have everyone coming back for second helpings!

Louisiana Chili Time
(Serves 8.)

Ingredients:

 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

1 lb andouille sausage, diced
1 lb ground pork
2 big onions, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
3 celery stalks, diced
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 (28 oz size) can crushed tomatoes
1 (15 oz size) can diced tomatoes
1 (28 oz size) can kidney beans, drained (or 1 cup dry beans, rinsed and soaked)
1/4 tsp dried oregano
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1/4 tsp chili powder
dash or two hot pepper sauce
pinch instant chicory or coffee (optional)
salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

• In a heavy skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, cook the andouille sausage and ground pork until pork is lightly browned; break it up as you cook it.  Remove with a slotted spoon and put in crock pot.
• Add the remaining ingredients to the crockpot and stir well.
• Cover, set on Low, and cook 6-8 hours, until veggies and beans are soft and flavors are blended.
• Taste and adjust seasonings. Add a bit of water to thin it out if desired.
• Serve hot with crusty bread on the side.