Southwestern Style Chicken Lime Soup

Southwestern Style Chicken Lime Soup Recipe from Mexico

Region / culture: Mexico | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 90 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Southwestern Style Chicken Lime Soup is a flavorful and comforting dish that combines the zesty flavors of lime and jalapeño with tender chicken and fresh vegetables. This soup is perfect for a cozy night in or for entertaining guests with a taste of the Southwest.

History

This recipe is inspired by traditional Mexican and Southwestern cuisine, where bold flavors and fresh ingredients are key. The combination of chicken, lime, and cilantro is a classic flavor profile that has been enjoyed for generations.

Ingredients

1 (3 lb (1.36 kg)) chicken, cut into pieces
1 large onion, peeled and quartered
8 cloves of garlic, minced
salt and pepper to taste
2 fresh tomatoes, diced
1 large avocado, peeled and diced
0.5 cup of finely chopped cilantro
1 or 2 jalapeño peppers, seeded and finely chopped
2 limes, quartered

How to prepare

Place the chicken pieces in a large pot with enough water to cover, plus an extra inch. Add the onion and garlic, and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat and simmer covered for 90 minutes.
Remove the soup from the heat and transfer the chicken pieces to a plate. When they have cooled, remove and discard the skin from the chicken. Remove the meat from the bones and cut or shred it into small pieces. Strain the broth through a sieve and return it to the pot. Skim the fat off the surface of the broth and warm over moderate heat. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Chop tomatoes, avocado, and jalapeño. Keep chilled until serving time.
If desired, fry or bake tortilla strips.
To serve, divide the chicken meat between six soup bowls. Squeeze a lime wedge over the chicken, then ladle the hot broth over the chicken and serve. Serve the chopped tomatoes, avocado, and cilantro on the side, allowing guests to "play with their soup" and add garnishes as they see fit.

Variations

For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with tofu or beans.
Add corn or black beans for extra texture and flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to skim the fat off the surface of the broth to keep the soup light and flavorful.

- For a spicier soup, leave the seeds in the jalapeño peppers.

- Serve the soup with a side of tortilla strips for added crunch.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the soup with a side of warm tortillas or cornbread for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Simmering the chicken in the broth for 90 minutes ensures that the meat is tender and flavorful.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have jalapeño peppers, you can use a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat.

- Cilantro can be substituted with parsley if desired.

Make Ahead Tips

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

Presentation Ideas

Serve the soup in colorful bowls and garnish with a lime wedge for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

This soup pairs well with a crisp white wine or a cold beer.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

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

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

250 per serving

Carbohydrates

12g per serving

Fats

10g per serving

Proteins

25g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This soup is rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains no common allergens.

Summary

This soup is a balanced meal with a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, as well as essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Southwestern Style Chicken Lime Soup is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its bold flavors and fresh ingredients, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I recall the feeling of curiosity that overcame me when I found this recipe for Southwestern Style Chicken Lime Soup. It was a hot summer day, and I was rummaging through an old cookbook that belonged to my mother. As I flipped through the pages, I stumbled upon a worn and stained piece of paper tucked in between the pages. It was a handwritten recipe for a soup that sounded both intriguing and delicious.

The recipe called for chicken, lime, tomatoes, corn, and various spices that I had never used before. I could almost taste the tangy lime and the smoky flavor of the southwestern spices just by reading the list of ingredients. I knew right away that I had to try making this soup.

I traced the handwriting on the paper with my fingers, trying to imagine who had written it and where they had learned to make this soup. It was evident that this recipe had been passed down through generations, each cook adding their own twist to make it their own. I felt a sense of connection to whoever had written this recipe, as if they were guiding me through the steps from afar.

I gathered all the ingredients listed on the recipe and set to work in the kitchen. As I chopped the onions, garlic, and bell peppers, the familiar scents filled the air, reminding me of my childhood spent watching my mother cook in the same kitchen. I could almost hear her voice guiding me through the steps, just as the mysterious writer of the recipe had done.

I seasoned the chicken with a blend of cumin, chili powder, and oregano, the fragrant spices mingling together to create a symphony of flavors. I squeezed fresh lime juice over the chicken, the tangy citrus cutting through the richness of the spices. I could already tell that this soup was going to be something special.

As the soup simmered on the stove, the aroma wafting through the air, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and accomplishment. I had taken a simple piece of paper with a recipe written on it and turned it into a delicious and comforting meal. I could almost see the generations of cooks who had come before me, each one adding their own touch to make this soup their own.

When the soup was finally ready, I ladled it into bowls and garnished it with fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream. I took a tentative sip, the flavors exploding on my tongue in a burst of smoky, tangy goodness. The soup was everything I had hoped for and more, a perfect balance of savory and citrusy flavors that danced on my taste buds.

As I sat down to enjoy my bowl of Southwestern Style Chicken Lime Soup, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the mysterious writer of the recipe and all the cooks who had come before me. They had passed down not just a recipe, but a piece of themselves, a connection to the past that was now alive and simmering in my kitchen. And as I savored each spoonful, I knew that this soup would become a new favorite in my repertoire, a dish to be shared and cherished for generations to come.