I’m dreaming of a white chili…..Just like the ones I used to know.
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 Chili2 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 sauceSalt 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.
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).
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.
YUM! This looks delicious and it could go with our “maybe” White Christmas!!
Yeah, what is up with that? I think that they just say there “might” be a white Christmas. We will see.
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!
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)!
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.
I would be impressed if he could eat the original recipe!
That looks delicious and warming! ….mmm my lunch has to involve with chillies too..maybe chili con carne?
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!
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”)! 🙂
OMG, one tablespoon of cayenne, this is way too much pepper! I love your milder version!
Thanks, Katerina. The original was too spicy for me.
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!!!
And, I used miled green chiles too. I am making this again for one of our many family meals during the holidays.