Italian Chicken Chili With Pancetta Crouton Toppers |
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Prep Time: 15 Minutes Cook Time: 45 Minutes |
Ready In: 60 Minutes Servings: 6 |
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From Rachael Ray's Magazine. Looks great for cool weather days. Ingredients:
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil |
3 lbs ground chicken |
salt and pepper |
2 onions, chopped |
2 carrots, peeled and grated |
1 bay leaf |
1/3 cup balsamic vinegar |
4 roasted red peppers (from a jar works) |
4 -5 sprigs thyme |
2 tablespoons chili powder |
2 teaspoons smoked paprika |
1/4 teaspoon allspice |
1 (32 ounce) container chicken broth |
1/3 lb pancetta, sliced 1/8 inch thick and finely chopped |
3 tablespoons butter, cut into pieces |
1 loaf crusty bread, cut into 1-inch squares |
6 garlic cloves, crushed |
1 cup pecorino romano cheese, freshly grated |
3 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped |
Directions:
1. In a large, heavy pot, heat 1/4 cup of the oil over high heat. Add chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until lightly brown, about 5 minutes. Add onions, carrots, and bay leaf, and cook until browned, about 8 minutes. Stir in balsamic vinegar and scrape up any pan drippings. Remove pan from heat.
2. In a food processor, puree the roasted peppers, then stir them into the pot. Add thyme, chili powder, paprika, and allspice. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Add chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes. If desired, skim the fat from the surface.
4. Preheat oven to 375°F In a small skillet, heat remaining 1/4 cup olive oil over medium-high heat. Add pancetta; cook until browned, 3 to 5 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer pancetta to a plate. Add butter to the skillet and turn off the heat.
5. Place bread and garlic in a large bowl. Pour butter mixture evenly over the bread. Sprinkle the reserved pancetta, cheese, rosemary, and lots of pepper over the bread and toss to coat. Place the cubes on a baking sheet and bake until golden, tossing occasionally. Bake for about 15 minutes, remove from oven. Let cool.
6. Discard bay leaf and thyme. Serve chili in mugs, if desired, with pancetta croutons on top.
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