Ingredients
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 large poblano pepper, cored and diced
- 1 small white onion, peeled and diced
- 5 cloves of garlic, peeled and minced
- 2 large carrots, peeled and diced
- ½ cup peas
- 1 bunch fresh cilantro leaves
- Thinly-sliced green onions (optional garnish)
- Extra chopped fresh cilantro (optional garnish)
Proteins
- 2 cups shredded or diced cooked chicken
Grains and Starches
- 1 lb Yukon gold potatoes, diced
- ½ cup white or brown rice
Liquids and Oils
- 1 tbsp avocado oil (or olive oil)
- 6 cups chicken stock, divided (5 cups + 1 cup)
- Juice of 1 lime
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 tbsp aji Amarillo paste (or 1 serrano or jalapeno pepper, cored and diced)
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Using a large stockpot over medium heat, heat the avocado oil and sauté the diced poblano pepper and white onion for about 5 minutes or until the onion becomes translucent and soft. Add the aji Amarillo paste (or serrano/jalapeno pepper) along with the minced garlic, and cook for an additional 2 minutes to release their aromas.
- Blend Pepper-Onion Mixture: Transfer the sautéed vegetables to a blender and allow them to cool slightly to avoid splattering. Set aside for blending later.
- Add Main Ingredients to Pot: To the same stockpot, add the shredded cooked chicken, diced potatoes, carrots, and peas.
- Pour Chicken Stock: Add 5 cups of chicken stock to the pot, covering the ingredients.
- Add Rice and Cumin: Stir in the rice and ground cumin evenly into the pot's contents.
- Simmer Soup: Return the pot to medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the vegetables and rice are fully cooked and tender.
- Blend Cilantro Mixture: While the soup simmers, add the fresh cilantro leaves, lime juice, and 1 cup of chicken stock into the blender containing the cooled pepper-onion mixture. Blend until smooth and vibrant green.
- Combine and Season: Pour the blended cilantro mixture back into the simmering soup pot. Stir well to combine all flavors. Season the soup with salt and pepper according to your taste.
- Serve: Give the soup one final stir and ladle it into bowls. Garnish with extra chopped cilantro and thinly sliced green onions if desired. Serve hot for a warming and flavorful meal.
Notes
- You can substitute aji Amarillo paste with serrano or jalapeno peppers for a spicy kick.
- Using cooked chicken saves time; feel free to use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- For a thicker soup, you can reduce the amount of chicken stock slightly.
- Adjust the amount of rice to make the soup heartier or lighter based on preference.
- Fresh cilantro is key for authentic flavor; do not skip adding it in the blender step.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American