My man-child David is somewhat of a picky eater, but what he loves, HE LOVES. Take watermelon. David lives for watermelon. And grapes. And oranges. And blueberries. And raspberries. And apples. But mostly watermelon. David loves almost all fruit, and also fruit-flavored candy. And there are some things I make that he routinely asks for, a few of which are chicken noodle soup, brown rice with teriyaki chicken, chicken tacos, and his all-time favorite, black bean & chicken chili. (ha - looks like a bit of a chicken theme going on here - just noticed that!) I am in the process of putting together a recipe book for David, and I am also working with him to teach him how to make some of these recipes so he won't go hungry when he's out on his own someday. Anyway, today he's asked me to help him make the chili so he can take a pot of it to his friend Nina's house to share with her family tonight. Luckily I have all of the ingredients on hand. David and I are going to put together a big double batch so we can keep some here and David can take some to Nina's.
I do have to mention that David is starting to get a little more adventurous and willing to try some new foods, and he even likes some of them. which makes me happy. And he is always so polite and appreciative and always thanks his mama for his food, which ALSO makes me happy!
So here is the recipe for David's favorite chili. Enjoy!
6-CAN BLACK BEAN & CHICKEN CHILI
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 or 4 frozen boneless chicken tenderloin strips
½ yellow onion, finely diced
1 tablespoon chili powder
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 cans (15.25 ounces each) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15.25 ounces) whole-kernel corn, drained
1 can (14.5 ounces) petite-cut diced tomatoes
1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
1 can (4 ounces) fire-roasted diced green chiles, drained
Heat oil in a large pot. Add chicken, onions and spices. Cook and stir over medium heat until chicken is cooked through. Remove chicken, shred into small pieces, and return chicken to pot. Add all other ingredient, stir, cover and simmer until heated through. Adjust seasoning as desired. Serve warm with sour cream, grated cheese, diced avocado, diced tomato, tortilla chips, etc. if desired.
"Worries go down better with soup." —Jewish Proverb
"Tell me what you eat, and I'll tell you who you are." —Anthelme Brillat-Savarin
"There is nothing better on a cold day than a properly made pot pie." —Craig Claiborne
