Mexican Chicken Soup With Cilantro-Chile Cream

HEP MEP's Note:

I printed this off Ortega's web-site. The creator was a finalist in their 2002 cooking contest. It is REALLY good and really easy. My additions are a can of hominy (because I love it!) and shredded Monty Jack to top the soup. Great with tortilla chips!

• Total Time: 45 mins
• Prep Time: 25 mins
• Cook Time: 20 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 6

• 1 (32 ounce) carton chicken broth
• 1 cup water
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1 (16 ounce) jar salsa (any flavor)
• 1/2 cup long-grain rice
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups chopped cooked chicken
• 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 1/2 cups frozen corn kernels
• 1 (4 ounce) can diced green chilies

FOR CILANTRO CHILE CREAM

• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 (4 ounce) can diced green chilies
• 3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 teaspoon lime juice

Directions:

1. Combine chicken broth,water and garlic in a large saucepan: bring to a boil.
2. Add salsa,rice,oregano,and salt.
3. Cover- reduce heat to low; cook for 15 minutes,stirring occasionally.
4. Add chicken,beans,corn and chilies; continue cooking for 5 minutes or until heated through.
5. Serve in soup bowls; top each serving with a dollop of cilantro-chile cream.
6. CILANTRO-CHILE CREAM: Combine the sour cream,diced chilies,cilantro and lime juice in a small bowl.

Reviews

[Mark H.]

I am not normally a soup eater, but this was very hearty and had a great taste. I made exactly as the recipe directs, although I'm sure I added more chicken. The soup has plenty of character and robust flavor on its own; the cilantro-chile sour cream gives it a richness and extra zip that everyone enjoyed. This will definately be made over and over in our house. Thanks for posting.

[Kerr(ie)bear]

Just wonderful! I added extra garlic & rice to the soup and tripled the amount of cilantro to the cream sauce. (Just a personal preferance, though) Very simple to prepare and it did not take forever to make, which is nice. This is a keeper. Just terrific! Cheers!

[moxie]

This was a delicious and hearty soup that warms the soul on a cold winter night. The cilantro cream adds just the right richness, without making the soup too heavy. I garnished with avocado slices, which were a nice contrast. Thank you for sharing this great recipe that will go in my keeper file for sure, MEP.