Union House White Bean Chili

1 lb. small white beans

1/2 medium onion, finely diced

1 T. chili powder

2 t. cumin

1/2 C. finely diced carrot

1 rib celery, finely diced

Vegetable oil to saute vegetables

1 t. salt

1 t. cayenne pepper

1 dried pasilla chili (optional)

2 1/2 to 3 quarts chicken stock

1 ham bone or smoked ham hock

Sour cream for garnish

Warm taco wedges or fried tortilla strips for garnish

Minced chives for garnish

Soak beans overnight. Drain; rinse.

Saute onion, chili powder, cumin, carrot and celery in oil in 7-quart Dutch oven or stockpot over medium heat until soft. Add salt and pepper. Soak pasilla chili in warm water until soft, then stem and seed. Add to chili with stock and ham bone or ham hock.

Bring to boil and simmer 11/2 to 2 hours, or until beans are cooked through. Remove ham bone and adjust seasonings. Puree half of soup in blender or food processor if desired. Serve hot. Garnish with spoonful of sour cream and taco wedges or fried tortillas and minced chives.

Makes 12 servings.