Cilantro Chicken Soup

Cilantro Chicken Soup Recipe - Authentic Mexican and American flavors

Region / culture: Mexico, USA | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Cilantro Chicken Soup is a flavorful and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. This soup is packed with delicious ingredients like chicken, rice, and fresh cilantro, making it a satisfying meal that will warm you up from the inside out.

History

Cilantro Chicken Soup is a popular dish in many Latin American countries, where cilantro is a staple herb in cooking. This soup is often made with a combination of fresh vegetables, chicken, and herbs, creating a flavorful and aromatic broth that is both nutritious and delicious.

Ingredients

1 cup of cut fresh or frozen okra
0.75 cup of chopped onion
0.75 cup of diced green pepper
2 tsp of margarine
1.5 cup of chopped tomatoes
1.33 cup of cooked rice
1.33 cup of cooked chicken cubes
1 tbsp of chopped fresh cilantro
1 clove of minced garlic
0.13 to 0.25 tsp of crushed red pepper
3 cup of fat-free chicken broth

How to prepare

In a large saucepan, cook okra, onion, and green pepper in margarine over medium-high heat until tender-crisp. Add tomatoes, rice, chicken, cilantro, garlic, red pepper, and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 20 to 25 minutes.

Variations

For a vegetarian version of this soup, simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add additional vegetables like corn, carrots, or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To enhance the flavor of this soup, be sure to use fresh cilantro and garlic. You can also add a squeeze of lime juice for a burst of citrusy flavor. For a spicier kick, increase the amount of crushed red pepper in the recipe.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this soup with a side of warm tortillas or crusty bread for a complete meal. Garnish with additional fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

To save time, you can use pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken in this recipe. Simply shred the chicken and add it to the soup during the last few minutes of cooking.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have fresh cilantro on hand, you can use dried cilantro or substitute with parsley or basil. You can also use olive oil instead of margarine for a healthier option.

Make Ahead Tips

This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish this soup with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of cheese, or a drizzle of hot sauce for a beautiful and flavorful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This soup pairs well with a crisp green salad or a side of roasted vegetables. For a heartier meal, serve with a side of rice or quinoa.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

This recipe contains approximately 250 calories per serving.

Carbohydrates

This recipe contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates per serving.

Fats

This recipe contains approximately 5 grams of fat per serving.

Proteins

This recipe contains approximately 15 grams of protein per serving.

Vitamins and minerals

Cilantro Chicken Soup is rich in vitamins A and C, as well as minerals like potassium and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (margarine) and chicken, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Cilantro Chicken Soup is a nutritious and well-balanced meal that is rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals. It is a great option for a healthy and satisfying dinner.

Summary

Cilantro Chicken Soup is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. Packed with flavorful ingredients like chicken, rice, and fresh cilantro, this soup is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Cilantro Chicken Soup. It was a cool autumn day, the leaves were turning vibrant shades of red and orange, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her cozy kitchen. Maria was a marvelous cook, always creating delicious dishes that were both comforting and exciting.

As we chatted over steaming cups of tea, Maria pulled out an old, worn notebook from a cluttered drawer. She flipped through the pages with a smile, her eyes alight with a mischievous twinkle. "I have a special recipe to share with you today," she said. "It's a family secret, passed down through generations. Cilantro Chicken Soup."

I leaned in closer, my curiosity piqued. Maria began to recount the story behind the recipe, her voice soft and melodic. She told me of her grandmother, a wise and gentle woman who had learned the recipe from her own mother many years ago. The soup was a celebration of their heritage, a blend of flavors and aromas that spoke of love and tradition.

As Maria read out the ingredients and instructions, I could feel the magic of the recipe swirling around us. The vibrant green of the cilantro, the tender chunks of chicken, the earthy spices that would infuse the broth with warmth and depth. I could almost taste the soup on my tongue, feel the comforting heat as it slid down my throat.

With a twinkle in her eye, Maria handed me the notebook and a pen. "Write it down," she said. "Make it your own. Share it with someone you love." And so, I carefully transcribed the recipe, feeling as though I was holding onto a piece of history, a connection to the past that would nourish and sustain me in the present.

That night, I gathered the ingredients and set to work in my own kitchen. The smell of cilantro and chicken filled the air, wrapping me in a warm embrace. I stirred and simmered, tasting and adjusting, pouring my love and care into each step of the process.

When the soup was finally ready, I ladled it into bowls and set the table for my family. As we sat down to eat, the silence was broken only by the sound of spoons clinking against ceramic. The first spoonful melted on my tongue like a long-lost memory, bringing tears to my eyes.

My grandmother, who had always been my inspiration in the kitchen, smiled at me from across the table. "You've done it, my dear," she said. "You've captured the essence of the recipe, the spirit of our ancestors. This soup is a gift, a treasure to be shared with those you hold dear."

And so, I continued to make Cilantro Chicken Soup, tweaking and experimenting, adding my own unique touch to each batch. I shared the recipe with friends and neighbors, passing on the tradition that had been handed down to me with such love and care.

Years passed, and my own children grew up eating the soup, their faces lighting up with delight as they took their first bite. They would ask for the recipe, eager to learn how to make it themselves, to carry on the legacy of Cilantro Chicken Soup in their own kitchens.

Now, as I sit in my own cozy kitchen, surrounded by the comforting smells of herbs and spices, I can't help but smile at the memories that flood back to me. The sense of wonder I felt that day with Maria, the connection to my ancestors that the recipe brings, the joy of sharing something so special with the ones I love.

Cilantro Chicken Soup will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the power of food to nourish not just our bodies, but our souls. It is a recipe that transcends time and space, weaving together past, present, and future in a tapestry of flavor and tradition. And for that, I am eternally grateful.