Crillo de Pollo

Crillo de Pollo Recipe - A Delicious Chicken Dish from Argentina

Region / culture: Argentina | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour and 10 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Crillo de Pollo is a traditional Ecuadorian chicken soup that is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for a comforting meal. This recipe combines tender chicken, potatoes, carrots, and corn in a rich and creamy broth that is sure to warm you up on a cold day.

History

Crillo de Pollo has been a staple in Ecuadorian cuisine for generations. It is a dish that is often made for special occasions and family gatherings, as it is a comforting and satisfying meal that is loved by all.

Ingredients

2 large onions, coarsely chopped
3.5 chicken breasts, cut into 4 pieces
1 tsp salt
0.5 tsp pepper
4 cloves garlic, minced
0.5 tsp dried thyme leaves, crushed
2 bay leaves
8 cups chicken stock
3 large russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
6 carrots, cut into 2-inch pieces
3 ears corn, cut into 3-inch pieces
1 egg yolk, beaten
0.5 cup cream
2 tsp arrowroot (optional)
2 tbsp minced parsley
1 tbsp minced cilantro

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C).
Spread half of the onions in a large, deep baking dish.
Place the chicken on top.
Season with salt and pepper.
Sprinkle garlic, thyme, and bay leaves over the chicken.
Spread the remaining onions on top and drizzle with 1 cup of stock.
Roast uncovered for 30 minutes, or until the chicken turns golden around the edges.
Place the chicken (remove skin, if desired), onions, garlic, and herbs in a 6 qt (5.68 liter) soup pot.
Deglaze the roasting pan with some water or stock and add it to the pot.
Add the remaining stock and the potatoes to the pot.
Simmer for 15 minutes, then add the carrots and corn.
Simmer for 25 minutes.
Using a wide fork, roughly mash at least 4 of the "falling apart" potato chunks to help thicken the soup.
Beat the egg yolk into the cream, then beat in 0.5 cup of the stock from the soup pot.
Blend in the arrowroot if you want a thicker soup.
Pour the cream mixture back into the soup, stirring until well-blended.
Just before serving, add the minced parsley and cilantro.
Ladle the soup into wide, deep soup bowls.
Make sure each bowl has a chunk of potato, a piece of chicken, a couple of carrots, and a piece of corn.

Variations

Add some diced bell peppers for extra flavor and color.
Use sweet potatoes instead of russet potatoes for a twist on the traditional recipe.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to roast the chicken before adding it to the soup pot to enhance the flavor.

- Mash some of the potato chunks to help thicken the soup.

- Adding the cream mixture at the end gives the soup a rich and creamy texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Crillo de Pollo with a side of rice or crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Roasting the chicken before adding it to the soup pot adds depth of flavor.

- Simmering the soup slowly allows the flavors to meld together.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for a more flavorful soup.

- Substitute arrowroot with cornstarch for thickening the soup.

Make Ahead Tips

Crillo de Pollo can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish each bowl of Crillo de Pollo with a sprinkle of minced parsley and cilantro for a pop of color and freshness.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Crillo de Pollo with a side of avocado salad or a simple green salad for a light and refreshing accompaniment.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Crillo de Pollo in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Crillo de Pollo contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Crillo de Pollo contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Crillo de Pollo contains approximately 12 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Crillo de Pollo contains approximately 25 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Crillo de Pollo is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cream) and eggs (egg yolk), so it may not be suitable for those with dairy or egg allergies.

Summary

Crillo de Pollo is a balanced meal that provides a good source of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, as well as essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Crillo de Pollo is a delicious and comforting Ecuadorian chicken soup that is perfect for a cozy meal. With its rich and creamy broth, tender chicken, and hearty vegetables, this soup is sure to become a family favorite.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is one that will always be cherished. It was a warm summer day, the sun shining brightly through the kitchen window as I sifted through my collection of old cookbooks. I had always had a passion for cooking, and over the years I had accumulated quite the collection of recipes from various sources - friends, family, magazines, and even some handwritten notes passed down through generations.

But this particular recipe for Crillo de Pollo caught my eye for some reason. Perhaps it was the exotic name, or the tantalizing description of tender chicken simmered in a fragrant sauce of tomatoes, peppers, and spices. Whatever the reason, I knew I had to try it.

I traced the origins of the recipe back to my dear friend Maria, who had learned to make it from her grandmother in Mexico. Maria had shared the recipe with me during one of our many lively conversations over coffee, and I had tucked it away for safekeeping. Now, as I read through the ingredients and instructions, I could almost taste the savory dish in my mind.

I set to work gathering the necessary ingredients - chicken thighs, onions, bell peppers, garlic, tomatoes, and a variety of herbs and spices. As I chopped and diced, the kitchen filled with the warm aroma of cooking food, and memories of past meals shared with loved ones flooded my mind.

I recalled my own grandmother, a talented cook who had taught me the basics of the kitchen when I was just a young girl. She had always stressed the importance of using fresh, high-quality ingredients and taking the time to perfect each dish. I could still hear her voice in my ear as I seasoned the chicken and sautéed the vegetables, urging me to taste and adjust the flavors until they were just right.

As the Crillo de Pollo simmered on the stovetop, the rich colors and fragrant scents mingling together in a tantalizing dance, I felt a sense of contentment wash over me. Cooking had always been a source of joy and comfort for me, a way to express my creativity and connect with others through shared meals and shared stories.

When the dish was finally ready, I ladled it into a deep serving bowl and garnished it with fresh cilantro. The vibrant colors and enticing aromas promised a feast for the senses, and I couldn't wait to share it with my family and friends.

As we sat down to eat, the Crillo de Pollo was met with rave reviews. My husband praised the tender chicken and bold flavors, while my children eagerly reached for second helpings. It was a simple pleasure, but a profound one - the act of nourishing those we love with a homemade meal made with care and intention.

In the days and weeks that followed, I continued to make the Crillo de Pollo recipe, tweaking and refining it to suit my own tastes and preferences. Each time I cooked it, I felt a connection to the long line of cooks who had come before me, passing down their knowledge and traditions through the simple act of preparing food.

And so, this recipe for Crillo de Pollo became more than just a dish to me. It was a symbol of my love for cooking, my respect for tradition, and my desire to create something beautiful and delicious out of simple ingredients and a little bit of magic.

As I write this now, years later, I can still picture that sunny day in my kitchen, the golden light streaming in through the window as I discovered this recipe for the first time. It was a moment of inspiration, of connection, of pure joy - and it is a memory that will always be cherished in my heart.