Vegetarian Chili Blanco by Pete's Brewing Company

The rich flavor of navy beans, spring vegetables and the assertive flavors of the Southwest
combine for a Wicked finish. Serves 6-8.

        1 pound small navy beans, rinsed and drained 
        8 cups water 
        2 tablespoons olive oil 
        2 large brown onions, coarsely chopped 
        6 cloves garlic, sliced thin 
        4 1/2 cups chicken broth (or water) 
        1 1/2 cups PETE'S WICKED ALE 
        1 large bay leaf 
        3 tablespoons dry vegetarian broth base (if not using chicken broth) 
        1/2 - 2/3 cup green chilies, chopped (or to taste) 
        2 cups baked tortilla chips, coarsely crushed 
        2/3 tablespoons olive oil 
        1 cup each: chopped green bell pepper, celery and julienne carrots 
        5 green onions, finely minced 
        1 teaspoon each: toasted cumin seeds and fresh ground black pepper 
        1 cup grated jack cheese 
        1/2 cup cilantro, coarsely chopped

        1. Place the beans in a large pot and cover with the 8 cups of water. 
        Bring to a boil and cook for 3 minutes. Remove from
        heat and let set, covered for 1 hour. Drain.

        2. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. When hot, 
        sauté the onions until golden. Add the garlic and sauté
        just until fragrant.

        3. Combine the beans, onions, broth, PETE'S WICKED ALE, bay 
        leaf and broth base in a 6 quart pot. Bring to a low
        simmer, cover and cook until tender. Stir in green chilies 
        and mash with a potato masher OR cool the mixture and puree
        it briefly in a blender or food processor. Season to taste with salt. 

        4. When ready to serve, stir the tortillas in with the beans and heat. 
        While the beans are heating, sauté the bell pepper,
        celery, carrots, cumin seeds and black pepper until just cooked. Set 
        the vegetables aside in a serving bowl. 

        5. Remove the soup from the heat and stir in the cheese and cilantro. 
        Serve and pass the bowl of sautéed vegetables
        and green onions to garnish. For a hearty variation, omit the sautéed 
        vegetables and simply pass additional cheese and
        fresh salsa! 

http://www.peteswicked.com/beers/blanco.html