White Chili

I can't believe I had not posted this recipe last winter. It's one of our favorite soups and is great to serve for large groups of people. I think it's even better if made ahead of time and then reheated. It gives all the fabulous spices more time to blend together. This is wonderful served with corn bread or corn muffins. (The time listed includes the soaking time for the beans). Plus sometimes the beans aren't quite a soft as we like them and requires a bit more cooking time.

• Ready In: 6 hrs
• Serves: 20

Ingredients

• 2  lbs dried great northern beans
• 1 1⁄2 cups  diced onions
• 1  tablespoon  cooking oil
• 1  tablespoon ground oregano
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons seasoning salt
• 2  teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
• 4 1⁄2 quarts chicken broth
• 2  garlic cloves, minced
• 8  boneless skinless chicken breast halves, cubed
• 2 (4 ounce) cans  chopped green chilies

Directions

1. Place beans in a large sauce pan or pot, cover with water and bring to a boil. Boil for 3 minutes.
2. Remove from heat and soak 1 ½ hours. Drain and rinse.
3. In a 5 quart Dutch oven, sauté onion in oil until tender.
4. Combine dry seasonings. Add half to the Dutch oven with the onion and sauté an additional minute. Set the other half aside.
5. Add beans, broth and garlic; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for at least 2 hours.
6. Coat chicken with remaining dry seasoning mixture. Brown in skillet until done. Add to bean mixture.
7. Stir in chilies. Simmer another 2 to 3 hours or until beans are nice and soft.
8. This recipe makes a large batch. It can easily be cut in half, but also freezes very well.