Combine all of the sausage ingredients in a large bowl. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
PREPARE THE CHILI:
Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the sausage mixture; cook 7 minutes or until browned, stirring to crumble.
Add the onion, cumin, garlic, oregano, and chiles; cook 4 minutes or until the onion is tender.
Place 1½ cups black beans and 1 cup broth in a food processor; process until smooth. Add the pureed beans, remaining beans, remaining 1 cup broth and tomatoes to pan; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer, partially covered, 45 minutes or until slightly thick. Stir in the lime juice and cilantro.
Ladle into bowls and garnish with sour cream, shredded cheese and chopped green onions, if desired.
Notes
If you are preparing this recipe as GLUTEN-FREE, just be sure to use brands of chipotles, beans and chicken broth that are known to be GF.
Of course, you can always cheat a bit and purchase pre-made ground sausage, but this sausage is so full of flavor we don't recommend it!
Chipotle chiles in adobo sauce are found canned in your markets Latin food section. Chop up ONE of these chiles to put in this chili. They are spicy... so if you add more, be careful!
You may need to thin the chili with water if you've made it ahead.