I used to work at the University of Florida Digital Library. At first I spent my days scanning old newspapers into a computer, and later graduated to cropping and brightening these images. Let’s just say it’s not the most stimulating activity so you tend to start reading the articles, looking at pictures….perusing a little to keep your mind going. In between the obituaries and ‘Dear Abby’ columns (uh—‘my husband likes to wear my underwear, what do I do?’) I stumbled across a few strange pictures and this recipe I have saved as little souvenirs, clips from a time in my life in college. I have tweaked the recipe over the years to what I consider to be a delicious, unconventional chili I go back to every year for it’s simplicity and great flavor. I like to throw it in the crock pot at lunch time and am always greeted with a wonderful scent when I walk through the door after work. I have recently discovered that Ritz makes a version of their classic cracker with a touch of honey which pairs wonderfully with this recipe and probably has influenced that extra scoop of chili I put in my bowl this time around. Double the recipe to make enough for the troops, or share the regular size with your hubby for a few nights—-it’s easy on the wallet. And good in your belly : )
white chicken chili
| 1 | tbs olive oil | |
| 3/4 | cup diced onion | |
| 2 | cloves garlic, minced | |
| ½ | tsp cumin | |
| 1 | tbs chili powder | |
| 2 | tbs lime juice | |
| 1-2 | cans of cannellini beans (white kidney beans)* | |
| 2 | cups chopped, cooked chicken** | |
| 1 | 14 oz can chicken broth | |
| 1 | 4.5 oz can mild, diced green chiles, drained |
*you can find these in the ethnic food aisle with other hispanic foods. I like to use 2 cans but the recipe normally calls for just 1. It makes it go further and is still a good ratio (in the picture you can see I used one can of white and one can of red just for fun this last time)
**near the deli meats/precooked meats there is a brand that sells the chicken in cooked chunks and even has different flavors if you are in a hurry
- Cook chicken if bought uncooked, and cut into small pieces. Dice onion if necessary.
- Set crockpot on low and combine all ingredients. Allow to cook 4-5 hours.
- Enjoy! Great with crackers or cornbread.