Poblano Rice Soup

Poblano Rice Soup Recipe - Authentic Mexican Cuisine

Region / culture: Mexico | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Poblano Rice Soup is a delicious and creamy soup that is perfect for a cozy night in. This soup is packed with flavor from roasted poblano peppers, creamy cream cheese, and hearty rice. It is a comforting and satisfying dish that is sure to warm you up on a cold day.

History

Poblano Rice Soup is a popular dish in Mexican cuisine. Poblano peppers are a staple in Mexican cooking and are known for their mild heat and rich flavor. This soup combines the smoky and slightly spicy flavor of roasted poblanos with creamy cream cheese and hearty rice to create a comforting and flavorful dish.

Ingredients

2 tbsp of butter
1 cup of chopped onion
5 – 6 roasted, peeled, deveined, and coarsely chopped poblano peppers
6 – 7 cups of chicken stock, divided
2 (8 oz) packages of cream cheese, cut into chunks
3 cups of cooked rice
salt and pepper to taste

How to prepare

Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium-high heat.
Add the onion and sauté until it becomes translucent.
Add the poblanos, 2 cups of stock, and cream cheese.
Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer until the cream cheese melts.
Allow the mixture to cool slightly, then puree half of it in a blender or food processor.
Pour the pureed mixture into a large stockpot, then puree the remaining mixture and add it to the stockpot.
Stir in the rice and the remaining 4 to 5 cups of stock, as desired.
Season with salt and pepper, and cook over medium-high heat until it becomes hot.
Ladle the soup into individual serving bowls.

Variations

Add cooked shredded chicken or diced ham for a protein boost.
Stir in a can of black beans or corn for added texture and flavor.
Garnish with sliced avocado, diced tomatoes, or shredded cheese for a colorful and tasty topping.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to roast the poblano peppers before adding them to the soup. Roasting the peppers helps to bring out their flavor and adds a smoky depth to the soup.

- Be sure to puree half of the soup mixture to create a creamy and smooth texture. This step helps to thicken the soup and create a rich and velvety consistency.

- Adjust the amount of chicken stock based on your desired thickness of the soup. Add more stock for a thinner soup or less stock for a thicker soup.

- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. The cream cheese adds a creamy and rich flavor, so be sure to taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Poblano Rice Soup with a side of warm tortillas or crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal. Top with a dollop of sour cream, chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of lime for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Roasting the poblano peppers adds a smoky flavor to the soup and helps to soften the peppers for easy peeling and chopping.

- Pureeing half of the soup mixture creates a creamy and smooth texture, while leaving some chunks of peppers and rice for added texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use vegetable stock or water in place of chicken stock for a vegetarian version of this soup.

- Substitute Greek yogurt or sour cream for the cream cheese for a lighter and tangier soup.

Make Ahead Tips

Poblano Rice Soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish each bowl of Poblano Rice Soup with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro, a drizzle of olive oil, and a wedge of lime for a beautiful and appetizing presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Poblano Rice Soup with a crisp green salad or a side of Mexican rice for a complete and satisfying meal. Pair with a cold beer or a glass of white wine for a refreshing and delicious combination.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Poblano Rice Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

320 per serving

Carbohydrates

32g per serving

Fats

18g per serving

Proteins

8g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This soup is rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and Calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cream cheese) and may not be suitable for those with dairy allergies.

Summary

Poblano Rice Soup is a creamy and flavorful dish that is rich in carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also a good source of Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and Calcium. However, it contains dairy and may not be suitable for those with dairy allergies.

Summary

Poblano Rice Soup is a creamy and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. This soup is packed with roasted poblano peppers, creamy cream cheese, and hearty rice, creating a comforting and satisfying meal. Serve with warm tortillas or crusty bread for a complete and delicious dinner. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a happy one. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in Mexico. My abuela, my grandmother, was the one who first introduced me to the wonders of cooking. She was a master in the kitchen, with a treasure trove of recipes passed down through generations.

One day, as I was helping my abuela prepare lunch, she pulled out a small, worn notebook from a drawer. It was filled with scribbles and notes, a collection of recipes she had gathered over the years. As she flipped through the pages, she stopped at one particular recipe - Poblano Rice Soup.

"This is a special recipe," she said, a twinkle in her eye. "It was given to me by a dear friend many years ago. It's a family favorite, and I think you'll love it."

I watched intently as my abuela gathered the ingredients - poblano peppers, rice, chicken broth, tomatoes, and spices. She explained each step of the recipe to me, showing me how to roast the peppers over an open flame until they were charred and blistered, then peel off the blackened skin.

As the soup simmered on the stove, filling the kitchen with a rich, savory aroma, my abuela sat me down at the table. She served me a steaming bowl of Poblano Rice Soup, topped with a dollop of crema and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. I took a tentative sip, letting the flavors explode on my taste buds. It was like nothing I had ever tasted before - creamy, spicy, and comforting all at once.

From that moment on, Poblano Rice Soup became a staple in our household. Whenever we had a family gathering or a special occasion, my abuela would make a big pot of soup to share with our loved ones. It became a symbol of love and tradition, a dish that brought us all together around the table.

Over the years, I have made Poblano Rice Soup countless times, each batch a little different from the last. I have added my own twists and variations, adapting the recipe to suit my own tastes and preferences. But no matter how many times I make it, the memory of that first taste lingers on, reminding me of the bond between generations and the joy of sharing a meal with those we love.

As I sit here now, writing down this story for my grandchildren to read, I can't help but smile. The recipe for Poblano Rice Soup is more than just a list of ingredients and instructions - it is a piece of my history, a connection to my past and a legacy for the future. And I hope that one day, my grandchildren will carry on the tradition, passing down this beloved recipe to their own children and grandchildren.

For me, cooking is not just about feeding the body - it is about nourishing the soul, preserving memories, and honoring the ones who came before us. And in every spoonful of Poblano Rice Soup, I taste the love and wisdom of my abuela, guiding me through life's ups and downs with a warm bowl of soup and a heart full of memories.