Caldo de Pollo

If you are in need of a big bowl of comfort, this homemade chicken soup is just what the doctor ordered. Caldo de pollo also happens to be my absolute favorite homemade remedy for a variety of winter ailments. Sniffles, headaches, and sore throats are no match for this delicious and healthy soup. Mexican Chicken Soup is a delicious comforting meal made using chicken, vegetables, served with chopped cilantro and onion. Some people also add chopped avocado.

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken About 3-4 pounds, cut out in pieces *See Notes

• 8 cups of water

• 2 teaspoons of salt

• ½ white onion

• 4 garlic cloves peeled

• 3 Celery sprigs

• 3 Large carrots cut into 3 pieces each

• 2 Cilantro branches

To Garnish:

• 1 avocado diced

• ½ white onion finely chopped

• 1 lime cut in wedges

• 1 serrano or jalapeño pepper minced

• ¼ cup Cilantro chopped

• Cooked white rice optional

• Warm corn tortillas

Instructions:

*Place chicken, water, and salt into a large stock pot and at medium-high heat and bring to a boil. Once foam starts forming on the surface, skim and discard.

*After removing the foam, add the onion, garlic, and celery. Partially cover the pot. Turn heat down and gently simmer for about 30 minutes. Do not boil.

*Add the carrots, cilantro and if you are using other vegetables, add them 15 minutes later since carrots take longer to cook. Check the chicken for doneness and, once cooked, remove and set aside to cool.

*Keep simmering the broth for about 10 more minutes until carrots are completely cooked.

*When the chicken pieces have cooled, shred it or cut into small bite-sized pieces. Dice the carrots once they are cooked and set aside.

*Strain the broth using a large fine mesh strainer. Return the broth to the pot and let it settle for about 8-10 minutes, remove the fat that rises to the surfaces using a large spoon. If you are not using the broth right away you can skim off the fat after placing the broth for some time in the fridge.

*Turn the heat on to low to warm up and check if it needs more salt to your taste. When ready to serve, place some cooked rice (if using) in a medium-size bowl, a serving of shredded chicken, carrots, and stir in the warm broth. Let everyone garnish their own soup.

Notes

• Sometimes I make ½ a chicken, or only use chicken legs, thighs, ribs and wings since those parts render a flavorful broth.

• You can also add other vegetables to your soup like zucchini, chayote, green beans and potatoes.

(Submitted by Leticia Brito, TAFB Employee)

Caldo de Pollo