White Chicken Chili

Nothing beat a steamy hot bowl of chili on a cold Winter's day.  And since there is no such thing as too much good chili, here's another recipe, totally different from traditional tomato and chili powder versions. I love how flexible chili recipes are...add a little more of this ingredient, a little less of that one..chilis are inherently flexible!  This was a big hit last night with our friends too. I like my chili on the thick side...if you like it thinner, just add more broth! We had some homemade gluten and dairy free biscuits to go with it.

1 1/2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breast, or chicken thighs, cut up into bite size pieces 1 T canola oil 1 bunch green onions, thinly sliced 1 red bell pepper, chopped 1 green pepper, chopped 4 cloves garlic, minced 1 garnet yam, chopped into bite-size pieces 1 teaspoon grated ginger (optional) 1/2 teaspoon salt

2t cumin 2 cans pinto beans in their sauce 2t vinegar (any light colored one) 1/4 cup flour ( I used sweet rice, I have also used brown rice) 3 T butter, margarine, or oil 3 cups chicken broth Garnishes: chopped cilantro, lime juice, avocado, green hot sauce

	In a large stockpot, heat the oil over medium heat.
	Saute the onion, red bell pepper, green pepper until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Add the chicken, along with the ginger, salt, cumin, and chicken broth.  Mix thoroughly.
	In a separate small saucepan or skillet, melt butter or margarine over medium heat. Stir in flour to make a roux (this mixture will be thick and dry.) Toast it gently for a minute or two until you begin to smell a nice toasted flavor from the flour. Stir this mixture into the stockpot (this roux will thicken the chili and give it a nice, silky texture!). Add in the sweet potato and beans (w/ their liquid), and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the sweet potato is tender. Add in vinegar. You may also add in the lime juice and cilantro at this point, or allow everyone to add to their own taste. This recipe was shared on Fat Tuesday,  It's a Keeper,  Gluten Free Wednesdays,  Traditional Tuesdays,  Slightly Indulgent Tuesday,