Hawaiian Lime Soup

Hawaiian Lime Soup Recipe - A Taste of the Tropics

Region / culture: Hawaii | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour 30 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Hawaiian Lime Soup is a delicious and refreshing dish that combines the flavors of chicken, lime, and cilantro in a savory broth. This soup is perfect for a light and satisfying meal, especially on a warm day.

History

Hawaiian Lime Soup is a traditional dish that has been enjoyed in Hawaii for generations. The combination of tangy lime, savory chicken, and fresh cilantro creates a unique and flavorful soup that is loved by many.

Ingredients

3.5 lb (1.59 kg) chicken, broiler-fryer, cut
6 cup water
1 medium onion, quartered
1 celery stalk
3 cilantro sprigs or parsley sprigs
6 whole peppercorns
2 tsp salt
0.5 tsp thyme
1 medium green pepper, chopped
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1.5 tsp grated lime rind
2 limes
3 tbsp fresh chopped cilantro
0.25 tsp salt and pepper
8 corn tortillas
1 vegetable oil
1 lime, sliced (optional)
1 fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)

How to prepare

Place chicken and the next 7 ingredients in a Dutch oven; bring to a boil. Cover and reduce heat; simmer for 1 hour.
Remove chicken and reserve the broth. Let the chicken cool, then bone and chop it; set aside.
Strain the broth to remove the vegetables; set the broth aside and discard the vegetables.
Saute the green pepper and onion in 2 tbsp of oil in the Dutch oven. Stir in the tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes.
Add the reserved broth, lime rind, lime juice, and 3 tbsp of cilantro. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes.
Stir in the chicken, salt, and pepper. Simmer uncovered for an additional 10 minutes.
Cut each tortilla into 8 wedges and fry in hot oil until crisp. Drain.
To serve, place 8 tortilla wedges in each soup bowl and add the soup. Garnish with lime slices and cilantro, if desired.

Variations

Add diced avocado or mango for a tropical twist.
Use shrimp or tofu instead of chicken for a seafood or vegetarian option.
Spice up the soup with a dash of hot sauce or chili flakes.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to simmer the broth for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to fully develop.

- Straining the broth to remove the vegetables helps create a clear and flavorful soup.

- Frying the tortilla wedges adds a crunchy texture to the soup.

- Garnishing with lime slices and fresh cilantro enhances the presentation and flavor of the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Hawaiian Lime Soup with a side of steamed rice or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Simmering the broth allows the flavors to meld together and create a rich and flavorful base for the soup.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use lemon or orange zest instead of lime for a different citrus flavor.

- Substitute chicken broth for the homemade broth for a quicker version of the soup.

Make Ahead Tips

The broth can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before finishing the soup.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the soup in individual bowls garnished with a lime slice and a sprig of fresh cilantro for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Hawaiian Lime Soup with a crisp white wine or a tropical fruit-infused cocktail for a refreshing meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

320 per serving

Carbohydrates

24g per serving

Fats

12g per serving

Proteins

28g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This soup is rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains wheat (tortillas) and may contain soy (vegetable oil).

Summary

Hawaiian Lime Soup is a balanced dish that provides a good source of protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Hawaiian Lime Soup is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines the bright flavors of lime, cilantro, and chicken in a savory broth. This soup is perfect for a light and refreshing meal, especially on a warm day. Enjoy this delicious Hawaiian-inspired dish with family and friends!

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Hawaiian Lime Soup. It was during a trip to Hawaii with my husband many years ago. We had decided to take a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse ourselves in the beauty and tranquility of the Hawaiian islands.

One evening, we found ourselves dining at a quaint little restaurant tucked away in a secluded corner of the island. The ambiance was serene, with the sound of waves crashing against the shore in the distance. As we perused the menu, one particular dish caught my eye - Hawaiian Lime Soup.

Intrigued by the unique combination of flavors, I decided to give it a try. The first spoonful was like a burst of sunshine in my mouth - tangy lime, sweet coconut milk, and the subtle heat of chili peppers all coming together in perfect harmony. I was instantly hooked.

I couldn't resist asking our server for the recipe. To my surprise, he was more than happy to share it with me. He explained that the soup was a traditional Hawaiian dish, passed down through generations in his family. It was a labor of love, he said, requiring patience and precision to get the flavors just right.

As soon as we returned home, I set to work recreating the Hawaiian Lime Soup in my own kitchen. I gathered all the ingredients - fresh limes, coconut milk, chicken broth, ginger, garlic, and of course, plenty of chili peppers. The kitchen was filled with the fragrant aroma of simmering soup, transporting me back to that magical evening in Hawaii.

I followed the recipe to the letter, taking my time to let the flavors meld together perfectly. Finally, I ladled the soup into bowls and garnished it with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. One taste was all it took to transport me back to that cozy little restaurant on the beach.

Over the years, I have made Hawaiian Lime Soup countless times, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my own tastes. I have shared it with friends and family, always met with rave reviews. It has become a staple in my repertoire, a comforting reminder of that unforgettable trip to Hawaii.

I often think back to that evening, sitting at a table overlooking the ocean, the warm breeze carrying the scent of tropical flowers. The Hawaiian Lime Soup was just one small part of the experience, but it left a lasting impression on me. It taught me that food is not just sustenance, but a way to connect with others, to create memories, to transport us to faraway places with just a single bite.

As I stir a pot of simmering soup on the stove, I can't help but smile at the thought of all the adventures and memories that have been woven into this simple dish. It may have started with a chance encounter at a restaurant in Hawaii, but it has become so much more than that. It is a reminder of the power of food to bring us together, to nourish both body and soul.

And so, as I sit down to enjoy a steaming bowl of Hawaiian Lime Soup, I raise my spoon in a silent toast to the flavors, the memories, and the people who have enriched my life through the simple act of sharing a meal. Aloha.