Eliot's Eats

A life well read and well fed

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I’m dreaming of a white chili.

I’m dreaming of a white chili…..Just like the ones I used to know.

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Every once in a while, our local paper will publish cherished recipes from long ago closed restaurants.    St. Michael’s Alley white chili must have been a much loved favorite because it is featured quite often.   I made this same recipe about five years ago and added the called for one whole tablespoon of cayenne pepper.

It was too hot to eat.   But, I saw some tastiness for a tweaked recipe.    I had forgotten about it until last week when the recipe was reprinted.     For the original recipe, click here.

Here is my adaptation.

Dreamin’ of a White Christmas White Chili
Based on St. Michael’s Alley White Chili

2 T. olive oil
2 yellow onions, chopped
5 cloves garlic, minced
2 lbs. poached chicken breasts, chopped
6 (15.5 oz.) cans great Northern beans
1 (4 oz.) can chopped Hatch green chilies (mild)
1 (15.5 oz) can petite diced tomatoes
4 c. low-sodium chicken broth
1/3 c. chopped pickled jalapenos
2 t. chili powder
1 t. cayenne pepper
1 T. cumin
2 t. Mexican oregano
1 T. Sriracha sauce
1 T. Worcestershire sauce

Salt and pepper, to taste

Saute onions in olive oil until they are clear.   Add garlic and saute one minute more.

Add remaining ingredients and cook on medium heat, stirring every 10 minutes or so until mixture is hot and well blended, about 45 minutes.

Spices added.   Ready to simmer.
Spices added. Ready to simmer.

It was my turn to take food to the lounge as we count the days until Christmas break.    I decided that this would be the perfect dish to reheat in a crockpot for the staff.    This recipe makes a ton.   I filled a one gallon ziplock completely full and saved enough for our dinner tonight.

This is still a spicy chili (even with the decrease in the cayenne).

2012-12-16 19.45.25

And, as it was cooking, I thought it really looked like an appropriate Christmas chili with the green chiles and jalapenos, red tomatoes, and white beans.

 

 

 

Comments & Replies

13 responses to “I’m dreaming of a white chili.”

  1. kalamitykelli Avatar

    YUM! This looks delicious and it could go with our “maybe” White Christmas!!

    1. Eliot Avatar

      Yeah, what is up with that? I think that they just say there “might” be a white Christmas. We will see.

  2. Rhonda Avatar

    I love your title and Bing Crosby. I can see why you tweaked it, holy cow 1 tablespoon of cayenne???? And it really does look like holiday chili!

    1. Eliot Avatar

      Yeah, 1 whole T. It was really too hot to eat and I had made it for the in-laws. They are great and ate a bowlful out of pity for this cook (with lots of ice water)!

  3. The Mom Chef Avatar
    The Mom Chef

    Hubby would love the chili with the full tablespoon but my wimpy taste buds just can’t handle it….at all. It sounds absolutely delicious though.

    1. Eliot Avatar

      I would be impressed if he could eat the original recipe!

  4. Angie@Angie's Recipes Avatar

    That looks delicious and warming! ….mmm my lunch has to involve with chillies too..maybe chili con carne?

  5. Veronica Avatar

    Love your creative title. 🙂 A whole tablspoon sounds like a typo, unless whoever wrote it really LOVES and I mean loves, spicy food. Yowza. Your version sounds, and looks, superb!

    1. Eliot Avatar

      Yeah, that is what I thought the first time I saw the recipe in print, but then I have seen it over and over again with 1 T (capital “T”)! 🙂

  6. Katerina Avatar

    OMG, one tablespoon of cayenne, this is way too much pepper! I love your milder version!

    1. Eliot Avatar

      Thanks, Katerina. The original was too spicy for me.

  7. mjskit Avatar

    Oh yes – 1 Tbsp cayenne pepper along with jalapeno AND green chile, is killer hot – even for a spice food addict like me. I wasn’t sure what white chili was, but now I see why it’s called that. Looks like a great chili!!!

    1. Eliot Avatar

      And, I used miled green chiles too. I am making this again for one of our many family meals during the holidays.