Aztec Chowder

Serves: 12

Description

Slightly modified from the recipe from 55 restaurant in Columbus, OH.

Ingredients

4 cans Great Northern beans, rinsed and drained
64 ounches chicken broth or stock
1 tsp. cayenne pepper (more or less)
olive oil
1 1/2 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 C minced onion
4 Tbsp. minced garlic
1 Anaheim chili pepper, seeded and minced
1 pint whipping cream
Salt and pepper, to taste
Tortilla chips, shredded pepper Jack cheese, and cilantro for garnish

Method

Recipe can be halved.

Pour beans and stock into a large stock pot and bring to a simmer. Puree half of the beans. Stir the cayenne into the pureed beans. Set aside.

In another large pan, warm the olive oil. Add chicken and cook, stirring frequently, until lightly browned. When cooked, add chicken to the pot.

Without cleaning the pan, add onion, garlic and chili pepper. Cook until onion is translucent, stirring frequently. Add the onion mixture to the pot. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat. Add pureed beans. Add cream. Heat through, stirring often, allowing soup to reduce slightly. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

To serve, ladle soup into heatproof bowls. Top with tortilla chips and cheese. Place under broiler until cheese melts, if desired. Garnish with cilantro, if desired.