This Mexican soup recipe brings together a delightful mix of flavors and textures that will transport you straight to the heart of Mexico. The key to its rich taste lies in the combination of chicken, beans, corn and a medley of vegetables, all swimming in a vibrant, spiced broth that warms you up from the inside.
While most ingredients in this recipe can be found in your regular pantry, the green chilies could be a specialty item you might need to look for. They are usually available in the canned food aisle of your supermarket. If you can't find them, you can substitute with jalapenos for an extra kick.
Essential Ingredients for the Mexican Soup
Chicken breast halves: These are the main protein of the soup, which add a hearty texture.
Kidney beans: They enrich the soup with their earthy flavor and nutritional value.
Whole kernel corn: Adds sweetness and a pop of color to the soup.
Stewed tomatoes: They add acidity and a rich tomato flavor.
Onion powder: Used for its concentrated flavor - a little goes a long way.
Green bell pepper: Adds a hint of bitterness and freshness.
Red bell pepper: Sweeter than the green one, it gives a nice color contrast.
Green chilies: They bring a spicy kick, which is a signature of Mexican cuisine.
Chicken broth: It forms the soupy base, carrying all the flavors.
Ground cumin: A spice that adds warmth and a smoky note.
Garlic salt and pepper: Seasonings to enhance all the other flavors.
One reader, Bancroft Mccaffrey says:
This Mexican soup recipe is a game-changer! The blend of flavors is simply divine. The combination of chicken, beans, and spices creates a rich and hearty soup that's perfect for any occasion. It's become a family favorite in our household. Highly recommended!
Techniques Required for Mexican Soup Recipe
How to cook the chicken: Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices. Then, cook the chicken in a skillet over medium heat until it is no longer pink in the center, and the juices run clear.
How to chop the bell peppers: Begin by washing the bell peppers thoroughly. Then, remove the stem and seeds from the peppers and proceed to chop them into small, bite-sized pieces.
How to simmer the soup: Once all the ingredients are combined in the stock pot, bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat. Then, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for about 45 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Remember to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
How To Make Mexican Soup
This Mexican soup is loaded with shredded chicken, beans, and veggies for a cumin-seasoned dish that’s perfect for the cold weather.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 3chicken breast,boneless, cooked and shredded, halves
- 15ozkidney beans,(1 can)
- 1cupwhole kernel corn
- 14½ozstewed tomatoes,(1 can)
- 1tsponion powder
- ½green bell pepper,chopped
- ½red bell pepper,chopped
- 4ozgreen chilis,(1 can), chopped
- 14½ozchicken broth,(2 cans)
- 1tbspground cumin
- garlic salt and pepper,to taste
Instructions
-
In a large stockpot, mix cooked chicken, kidney beans, corn, tomatoes, red and green bell peppers, green chiles, broth, onion powder, cumin, and salt and pepper to taste.
-
Cook over medium heat and let simmer for 45 minutes.
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Serve and enjoy.
Nutrition
- Calories: 462.45kcal
- Fat: 10.30g
- Saturated Fat: 2.76g
- Trans Fat: 0.09g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 4.05g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.44g
- Carbohydrates: 56.13g
- Fiber: 20.53g
- Sugar: 7.59g
- Protein: 38.80g
- Cholesterol: 57.74mg
- Sodium: 256.40mg
- Calcium: 156.75mg
- Potassium: 1594.20mg
- Iron: 8.20mg
- Vitamin A: 66.84µg
- Vitamin C: 80.06mg
Technique Tip for Mexican Soup Recipe
When preparing the chicken for this Mexican soup, it's best to sear it first before adding it to the pot. Searing the chicken will lock in the juices and give it a nice, golden-brown finish. This will add an extra layer of flavor to the soup. Also, don't forget to drain and rinse the kidney beans before adding them to the soup. This will help to reduce the sodium content and make the soup healthier.
Time-Saving Tips for Mexican Soup Recipe
Prep ahead: Chop and prepare all the ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process and save time.
Use canned ingredients: Utilize canned beans, corn, and tomatoes to cut down on prep time and cooking time.
One-pot cooking: Opt for a one-pot cooking method to minimize cleanup and save time on washing multiple dishes.
Cook in bulk: Make a large batch of the soup and freeze individual portions for quick and convenient meals in the future.
Invest in a pressure cooker: Consider using a pressure cooker to significantly reduce the cooking time for the soup.
Substitute Ingredients For Mexican Soup Recipe
chicken breast - Substitute with turkey breast: Turkey breast can be used as a lean and flavorful alternative to chicken breast in this recipe, providing a similar texture and taste.
kidney beans - Substitute with black beans: Black beans can be used as a substitute for kidney beans, offering a slightly different flavor and texture while still complementing the other ingredients in the soup.
whole kernel corn - Substitute with frozen corn: Frozen corn can be used as a substitute for whole kernel corn, providing a convenient and equally delicious alternative.
stewed tomatoes - Substitute with diced tomatoes: Diced tomatoes can be used as a substitute for stewed tomatoes, offering a similar texture and flavor to enhance the soup.
onion powder - Substitute with finely chopped fresh onion: Finely chopped fresh onion can be used as a substitute for onion powder, providing a more intense and fresh onion flavor to the soup.
green bell pepper - Substitute with poblano pepper: Poblano pepper can be used as a substitute for green bell pepper, adding a slightly smoky and mild heat to the soup.
red bell pepper - Substitute with anaheim pepper: Anaheim pepper can be used as a substitute for red bell pepper, offering a similar texture and a slightly milder flavor.
green chilies - Substitute with jalapeños: Jalapeños can be used as a substitute for green chilies, providing a slightly spicier kick to the soup.
chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can be used as a substitute for chicken broth, adding a different depth of flavor while still enhancing the overall taste of the soup.
ground cumin - Substitute with chili powder: Chili powder can be used as a substitute for ground cumin, offering a different flavor profile with a hint of smokiness and heat.
Best Way to Present Mexican Soup
Elevate the plating: When presenting the Mexican soup, focus on creating a visually appealing arrangement. Consider using a wide-rimmed bowl to showcase the vibrant colors and textures of the soup.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Add a touch of freshness and flavor by garnishing the soup with a sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro or parsley. This will not only enhance the visual appeal but also add a pop of color and aroma to the dish.
Incorporate texture: Consider serving the soup with a side of crispy tortilla strips or crumbled queso fresco to provide a delightful contrast in texture, elevating the overall dining experience.
Artful drizzle of crema: Use a squeeze bottle to create an artful drizzle of crema on top of the soup. This adds a touch of elegance and richness to the presentation.
Use vibrant tableware: Select tableware that complements the colors of the soup, such as deep blue or earthy tones, to create a visually striking presentation that will captivate the judges' attention.
Essential Tools for Making Mexican Soup
Stock pot: A large, deep pot used for making soups, stews, and stocks. It typically has two handles and a lid.
Spatula: A kitchen tool with a broad, flat, flexible blade used for lifting, spreading, or flipping ingredients.
Cutting board: A durable board on which food is cut and prepared. It provides a safe and hygienic surface for chopping ingredients.
Chef's knife: A versatile, all-purpose knife with a broad, tapered blade, suitable for a variety of kitchen tasks such as chopping, slicing, and dicing.
Measuring cups and spoons: Essential tools for accurately measuring ingredients in cooking and baking.
Wooden spoon: A cooking utensil used for stirring, mixing, and serving. It is ideal for use with nonstick cookware and delicate ingredients.
Can opener: A tool used to open metal cans by cutting the lid away from the can's rim.
Ladle: A long-handled spoon with a deep bowl for serving soups, stews, and sauces.
Tongs: Kitchen utensils with two arms and a pivot near the handle, used for picking up and manipulating food.
Measuring scale: A device used to measure the weight or mass of an ingredient, especially in baking and precise cooking.
How To Store and Freeze Mexican Soup
Allow the mexican soup to cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent the formation of harmful bacteria and ensure the best quality.
For short-term storage, transfer the cooled soup to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors will meld together, making the soup even more delicious the next day.
If freezing, consider portioning the soup into individual serving sizes for easy reheating later. Use freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, leaving some headspace for expansion during freezing.
Label the containers or bags with the date and contents to keep track of your frozen soup inventory.
When ready to enjoy the frozen soup, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. If you need to thaw it quickly, place the container in a bowl of cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes until the soup is thawed.
Reheat the thawed soup in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed, as freezing can sometimes alter the flavors slightly.
For best quality, consume the frozen mexican soup within 3 months. While it will remain safe to eat beyond this time, the texture and flavor may begin to deteriorate.
How To Reheat Mexican Soup Leftovers
Stovetop: Transfer the leftover mexican soup to a pot and reheat it over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired temperature. This method allows you to control the heat and ensure that the soup is evenly reheated without scorching or burning.
Microwave: Pour the leftover soup into a microwave-safe bowl and cover it with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape. Microwave on high power in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval, until the soup is heated through. Be careful when removing the bowl from the microwave, as it may be hot.
Slow cooker: If you have a larger quantity of leftover mexican soup, you can reheat it in a slow cooker. Transfer the soup to the slow cooker, cover it, and heat on low for 1-2 hours or until it reaches the desired temperature. This method is convenient if you want to reheat the soup while you're busy with other tasks.
Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the leftover soup to an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Place the dish in the preheated oven and reheat for 15-20 minutes, or until the soup is heated through. Stir the soup occasionally to ensure even heating.
Immersion blender: If your leftover mexican soup has become too thick or the ingredients have settled, use an immersion blender to puree the soup while reheating it on the stovetop. This will help to redistribute the flavors and create a smoother texture.
Random Fact About Mexican Soup Recipe
The Mexican soup recipe is a hearty and nutritious dish that is packed with protein and fiber. It is a versatile recipe that can be easily customized with your favorite ingredients such as avocado, cilantro, or cheese. This soup is not only delicious but also a great source of essential nutrients.
Is This Mexican Soup Recipe Economical for Home Cooking?
This Mexican soup recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The combination of chicken, kidney beans, and vegetables makes it a budget-friendly option. The use of affordable ingredients like canned tomatoes, corn, and chicken broth keeps the cost low. The total cost for a household of 4 people would be approximately $15. The versatility and hearty nature of this soup make it a great option for families on a budget. Overall Verdict: 8.
Is This Mexican Soup Healthy or Unhealthy?
This Mexican soup recipe has both healthy and unhealthy aspects. Let's break it down:
Healthy ingredients:
- Chicken breast is a lean protein source
- Kidney beans provide fiber and protein
- Corn adds fiber and some nutrients
- Bell peppers are rich in vitamins and antioxidants
- Green chiles add flavor without many calories
- Chicken broth is a low-calorie liquid base
Potentially unhealthy aspects:
- Stewed tomatoes may contain added sugar and sodium
- The recipe calls for garlic salt and added salt, which can increase the sodium content significantly
- Cumin and onion powder, while flavorful, do not add significant nutritional value
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to reduce the overall salt content
- Opt for no-salt-added or low-sodium canned ingredients (kidney beans, corn, stewed tomatoes) to further reduce sodium intake
- Replace garlic salt with fresh minced garlic for a more natural flavor and less sodium
- Add more vegetables, such as carrots, celery, or zucchini, to increase the fiber and nutrient content
- Use skinless chicken breast to reduce the fat content
- Limit the amount of added salt and let individuals season their soup to taste
- Consider adding fresh herbs like cilantro or oregano for added flavor and potential health benefits
By making these adjustments, you can transform this Mexican soup into a healthier, more balanced meal that still delivers on flavor. The combination of lean protein, fiber-rich beans and vegetables, and a flavorful broth creates a satisfying and nourishing dish that can be enjoyed as part of a well-rounded diet.
Editor's Thoughts on This Mexican Soup
This Mexican soup recipe is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The combination of tender chicken, hearty kidney beans, sweet corn, and zesty green chilies creates a satisfying and comforting dish. The use of cumin and garlic salt adds a warm and aromatic essence to the soup, while the bell peppers provide a pop of color and freshness. The stewed tomatoes and chicken broth bring a rich and savory base to tie everything together. Overall, this recipe is a wonderful representation of traditional Mexican cuisine and is sure to be a hit with anyone who enjoys a hearty and flavorful soup.
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Why trust this Mexican Soup Recipe:
This recipe is a trusted favorite among many home cooks, offering a delightful combination of chicken, kidney beans, and corn simmered in a flavorful blend of tomatoes, bell peppers, and green chilies. The addition of cumin and a touch of onion powder infuses the soup with rich, aromatic flavors. With a hearty base of chicken broth and a perfect balance of garlic salt and pepper, this soup promises to deliver a comforting and satisfying dining experience.
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