MELISSA D'ARABIAN'S WHITE CHILI WITH QUICK-ROASTED GARLIC

Melissa d'Arabian's White Chili with Quick-Roasted Garlic image

Provided by Melissa d'Arabian : Food Network

Time 1h15m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 18

12 cloves garlic, unpeeled
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
12 shallots, chopped
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
3 Anaheim chile peppers
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup dry white wine
7 cups low-sodium chicken broth
4 cups shredded cooked chicken
1 tablespoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 15-ounce can navy beans, undrained
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 10-ounce box frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
3/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/3 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated monterey jack cheese, for garnish

Steps:

Make the roasted garlic: Toss the 12 cloves garlic with the olive oil and 1 teaspoon water in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover, leaving a vent, and microwave until soft, about 90 seconds. Let cool, covered.
Prepare the chili: Preheat the broiler. Cook the shallots in the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-low heat until caramelized, about 20 minutes. Meanwhile, place the chiles on a foil-lined broiler pan and broil until charred on all sides, turning, about 8 minutes. Transfer to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap and let cool. Peel the peppers with your fingers or a paring knife. Stem, seed and chop.
Add the minced garlic to the shallots and cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add the flour and cook, stirring, until toasted, about 3 minutes. Increase the heat to high and add the wine; simmer 2 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Add the roasted chiles, 6 cups broth, the chicken, chili powder, cayenne, beans, and salt and black pepper to taste. Return to a simmer.
Meanwhile, squeeze the soft pulp from the roasted garlic into a blender or food processor. Add the remaining 1 cup broth and process until smooth. Add to the chili and simmer until thickened, about 30 minutes, adding the spinach during the last 5 minutes. Add the paprika and cream and season with salt and pepper. Garnish with the cheese.