Chicken and Pinto Bean Chili
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INGREDIENTS 8 dried red chiles, such as New Mexico red*, stemmed and seeded
1 tablespoon cumin seeds
1-1/2 tablespoons fresh oregano leaves or 2 teaspoons dried
1 pound dried pinto beans, soaked overnight and drained
3 medium yellow onions, chopped
2 large carrots, chopped
6 cloves garlic, chopped
3 fresh jalapeños, preferably red, stemmed, seeded, and chopped*
2 pounds skinless chicken thighs
2 tablespoons salt
Shredded sharp cheese or Cotja cheese, for garnishCover the chiles with about 4 cups boiling water and steep until soft, about 15 minutes. Reserve 2 cups of the soaking liquid and then drain the chiles. In a blender, purée the chiles with the reserved liquid.
Meanwhile, toast and grind the cumin seeds and toast the oregano, don't toast dried oregano.
Put the beans in a stockpot and cover them with 7 cups water. Add the chile purée, toasted ground cumin, toasted (or dried) oregano, onions, carrot, garlic, jalapeños, and chicken thighs.
Bring to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer, skimming off any foam. Remove the chicken thighs when cooked, 25 to 30 minutes.
When the chicken is cool enough to handle, pull the meat from the bones into large pieces and set aside; discard the bones.
Continue cooking the beans until tender, another 1 to 1-1/2 hours. Return the chicken to the pot to heat it thoroughly. Season with the salt, adding more to taste.
Serve in bowls topped with the grated cheese.
Makes 8 servings
*NOTES - New Mexico red chiles are common dried chiles found in most grocery stores. You can also use a couple of chilcostle chiles or tiny cascabels in place of some of the New Mexico red chiles for a more complex flavor.
*Wear rubber gloves when handling peppers.