Spanish Cream of Chicken Soup with Almonds

Creamy Spanish Chicken Soup with Almonds Recipe

Region / culture: Spain | Servings: 6

Introduction

Spanish Cream of Chicken Soup with Almonds is a rich and creamy soup that is perfect for a cozy night in. This soup is packed with flavor from the onions, garlic, fennel, and thyme, and gets a nutty crunch from the finely ground almonds. The addition of heavy cream adds a luxurious touch, making this soup a comforting and satisfying meal.

History

This recipe is a modern twist on traditional Spanish chicken soup, which is typically made with a base of chicken broth, vegetables, and sometimes rice or noodles. The addition of almonds and heavy cream gives this soup a unique and delicious flavor profile that sets it apart from more traditional versions.

Ingredients

2 medium onions, coarsely chopped
2 cloves of garlic, coarsely chopped
1 fennel bulb, trimmed and coarsely chopped
1 tsp dried thyme
0.25 cup of olive oil
0.5 cup of dry sherry
9 cups of chicken stock
1 cup of finely ground almonds
1 cup of heavy cream
1.5 cups of finely chopped cooked white chicken meat
salt and pepper
0.25 cup of finely chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

How to prepare

In a heavy-bottomed, 4 qt (3.78 liter) saucepan, cook the onions, garlic, fennel, and thyme in the olive oil over high heat for 5 minutes, stirring constantly.
Add the sherry, reduce the heat to moderate, and cook for 5 minutes or until the liquid has evaporated.
Add the chicken stock, almonds, and cream and bring to a boil over high heat.
Reduce the heat to moderate and cook for 25 minutes.
Add the chicken and cook for 5 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through.
Season with salt and pepper.
Garnish each portion with parsley just before serving.

Variations

Add cooked rice or noodles for a heartier soup.
Use different vegetables, such as carrots or celery, for added flavor and texture.
Substitute the chicken with cooked shrimp or tofu for a different twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to finely chop the cooked white meat to ensure that it is evenly distributed throughout the soup.

- Garnish each portion with fresh parsley just before serving to add a pop of color and freshness.

- Adjust the seasoning to taste, adding more salt and pepper as needed.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. It also pairs well with a glass of dry sherry or white wine.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cook the onions, garlic, and fennel until they are soft and fragrant to build a flavorful base for the soup.

- Simmer the soup gently to allow the flavors to meld together and the almonds to soften.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock for a vegetarian version of this soup.

- Substitute almond milk for the heavy cream for a dairy-free option.

Make Ahead Tips

This 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 soup with a sprinkle of chopped almonds and a drizzle of olive oil for an elegant touch.

Pairing Recommendations

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

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken stock or water to thin out the soup if needed.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Spanish Cream of Chicken Soup with Almonds contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

This soup is relatively low in carbohydrates, with most of the carbs coming from the vegetables and almonds. Each serving contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

The heavy cream and olive oil in this soup contribute to its rich and creamy texture. Each serving contains approximately 25 grams of fat.

Proteins

The chicken in this soup provides a good source of protein, with each serving containing approximately 20 grams.

Vitamins and minerals

This soup is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and iron, thanks to the vegetables and chicken. It also contains calcium and potassium from the almonds and cream.

Alergens

This recipe contains almonds and dairy in the form of heavy cream, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Overall, this soup is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Spanish Cream of Chicken Soup with Almonds is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. Packed with flavor from onions, garlic, fennel, and thyme, and topped with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, this soup is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was captivated by its simplicity. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her cozy kitchen. She had just finished preparing a pot of Spanish Cream of Chicken Soup with Almonds, and the aroma that filled the room was absolutely divine.

Maria had learned the recipe from her own grandmother, who had passed it down through the generations. As she stirred the pot, she told me the story of how she had learned to make the soup.

"It all started when I was a young girl," Maria began. "My abuela used to make this soup for me whenever I was feeling sick or sad. She said it had magical healing powers and would always make me feel better. I would watch her in awe as she chopped the vegetables, boiled the chicken, and added the secret ingredients that made the soup so special."

Maria's eyes sparkled with nostalgia as she recounted the memories of her abuela's cooking. I could see the love and care that went into each batch of soup she made, and I knew I had to learn how to make it myself.

Over the years, I would visit Maria often and watch her prepare the soup. I would take notes, ask questions, and try to memorize every step of the process. Finally, one day, Maria handed me a handwritten copy of the recipe, complete with all her tips and tricks for making the perfect Spanish Cream of Chicken Soup with Almonds.

I was overjoyed and couldn't wait to try making the soup on my own. I gathered all the ingredients – chicken, onions, garlic, carrots, celery, almonds, and of course, cream – and set to work in my own kitchen.

As I followed the recipe, I could feel my abuela's presence guiding me every step of the way. I remembered the way she would taste the broth and adjust the seasonings until it was just right. I could hear her voice in my mind, telling me to stir the pot with love and patience.

When the soup was finally done, I ladled it into a bowl and took a hesitant bite. The flavors danced on my tongue, the creamy richness of the soup blending perfectly with the crunch of the almonds. It was like a taste of my childhood, a comforting hug in a bowl.

From that day on, Spanish Cream of Chicken Soup with Almonds became a staple in my own kitchen. I would make it for my family, my friends, and anyone who needed a little warmth and comfort in their lives. And each time I cooked the soup, I would think of Maria and her abuela, grateful for the gift of their recipe and the memories it brought back.

As I grew older, I continued to perfect the soup, adding my own twist here and there but always staying true to the original recipe. And whenever I made it, I would share the story of how I learned to make it, passing down the tradition to the next generation.

Now, as I sit in my kitchen, stirring a pot of Spanish Cream of Chicken Soup with Almonds, I can't help but smile at the memories it brings back. The scent of the soup fills the room, wrapping me in a warm embrace that transcends time and space.

And as I take a sip of the creamy, comforting broth, I know that the magic of this recipe will continue to live on, bringing joy and nourishment to all who taste it. For in each spoonful lies a story of love, family, and the power of a simple bowl of soup to heal both body and soul.