Now that Summer is coming to an end...Tis the season for soups, stews, chilis, homemade breads and all the fall goodness that happens in the kitchen. I have made this with rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken, smoked turkey and smoked pork. My favorite is with smoked pork.
Smoked Pork and White Bean Chili
Ingredients
1TBSP olive oil
1 medium onion chopped
3 cloves garlic pressed or minced
2 heaping tsp dried oregano
1 TBSP ground cumin
1 heaping tsp powdered ginger
4 cups chicken broth
1 bay leaf
2 cups cooked protein of your choice
2 cans white beans (drained)
2 jalapeno peppers, minced or 4 oz can chopped green chiles
2 cups grated Monterey Jack cheese
salt and pepper to taste
For Toppings
Additional Cheese
Cilantro, finely chopped
Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice
Grape Tomatoes quartered
Avocado, sliced or chopped
Sliced Jalapeños
Tortilla Chips
Cooking Instructions
Heat olive oil in large dutch oven or soup pot.
Add onion and saute over medium heat until softened.
Add garlic, oregano, cumin and ginger. Cook stirring for one minute.
Add broth and bay leaf.
Cook uncovered over medium heat until somewhat reduced (5-8 minutes).
Add chicken, beans and jalapenos. Simmer uncovered for ten minutes, stirring occasionally.
Over low heat add a little cheese at a time, stirring until melted. Add pepper. Taste and add salt as needed. Cook five additional minutes. Remove bay leaf and serve with toppings at the table.
