Nomday: Summer Chili

Yes, it is over a hundred degrees outside. Yes, it is too hot to turn the oven on. Yes, we in Arizona are sweating to death just walking from building to car. Indoors though, it is likely more akin to refrigerator temperatures and sweater season. In the nearly thirteen years living in Phoenix I still am not clear on the need to freeze people out of office buildings and homes and overwork the AC units. But, it is the norm, so, to warm you up on those cold office days and not work your personal air conditioning too much harder; I offer you - Crockpot Chili!

Why are crockpots amazing? 
An ode to the most amazing tool a lazy foodie can own:
Large enough to feed a voracious army
Or a solitary bachelor.
As independent as a feline 
But loyal as a hound.
When time is small and tummies big
The crockpot never fails
It asks only for a morning's preparation
With promise, 'I'll have dinner when you return!'

White Chili with Beans

Difficulty: 2 out of 10

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 3 -5 hours

Approximate Cost: $24.00

2 lbs chicken, cut up into small chunks (I like to use boneless breasts for their "ease" and lower fat content)

1 cup chopped onion

8 oz. (or the equivalent) chicken broth

2 cloves of garlic, chopped fine

2 tsp Cumin seed (ground will not withstand long cooking)

1/2 tsp dried oregano leaves

15 oz each dried white, black, red beans, soaked and drained

1 each medium chopped red, green and yellow peppers

jalapeno chili peppers, fresh, jarred or canned, optional or 'to taste' (depending on how much heat you like!)

Combine chicken, onions, chicken broth, garlic, cumin and oregano. Let cook in crockpot on low until meat is cooked through. Add drained beans. Add bell peppers and jalapenos (if using) no earlier than the last hour or hour and a half before serving. The peppers tend to get very mushy if cooked too long. We are not making sauce. Chili is meant to be chunky.

This is really great topped with shredded cheese, sour cream, chives, or over chips! Enjoy!

Please remember: if you have a great recipe and would like to be a guest blogger on Nomdays, if you have a great or funny experience with cooking, or you want to talk about how awesome the recipes are, contact me or comment on this post. Thank you!