Mount Rainier Chili

Ingredients

• 1 lb great northern while beans, rinsed and picked over
• 2 lbs boneless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 2 cups onions, chopped
• 4 medium garlic cloves, minced

• 2 (4 ounce) cans chopped mild green chilies
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano, crumbled
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 8 cups chicken stock

• 1 (12 ounce) can beer
• 3 cups monterey jack cheese, shredded and divided
• sour cream
• salsa
• fresh cilantro leaves, chopped

Directions

1. 1

   Place beans in a large, heavy pot. Add enough cold water to cover by at least 3 inches. Cover and soak overnight.

2. 2

   Place chicken in a large, heavy saucepan and add cold water to cover. Bring to a simmer. Cook until just tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and cool. Remove skin and cut chicken into cubes.

3. 3

   Drain beans into large colander. Heat oil in same pot. Add onions and saute over medium-low heat until translucent, about 10 minutes. Stir in garlic, green chiles, cumin, oregano, cloves and cayenne. Saute 2 minutes. Add beans and stock. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until beans are very tender, stirring occasionally, about 3 to 4 hours. Add additional water if necessary. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover and bring to a simmer before continuing.) Add chicken, beer and 1 cup of cheese. Stir until cheese melts. Ladle chili into bowls. Serve with remaining cheese, sour cream, salsa and cilantro leaves to sprinkle on top.

4. 4

   To quick-soak beans, add enough water to cover by 3 inches. Bring to boil, cover and remove from heat. Soak for 2 hours.