| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 30 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 375 | 12g | 2g | 32g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 5g | 7g | 28g | 1.75g |
Some of my favorite recipes, such as this tantalizing Mexican Bay Leaf Chicken Soup, are born out of the exploration of my diverse culinary heritage. This soup combines the fulfilling warmth of a classic chicken soup with the robust flavors of Mexican cuisine, presenting a dish that is both hearty and tantalizingly spicy. The allure of this dish lies not only in its exquisite flavor profile but also in the abundant health benefits it delivers.
The Fusion of Flavors
Being a Californian with Gujarati roots, I’ve always been passionate about creating fusion dishes that resonate with my blended heritage. The Mexican Bay Leaf Chicken Soup offers a delightful harmony between the freshness of Californian produce and the vibrant spices reminiscent of traditional Mexican dishes. Although it lacks the customary Indian touch from my usual recipes, this soup echoes the familiar comfort of homemade chicken soup, a staple beloved in many cultures including my own.
Healthful Components
Not only is this dish a celebration of flavors, but it’s also packed with an array of health benefits. The rich chicken broth serves as a powerful source of nourishment, renowned for its healing properties, particularly for gut health. Generous portions of chicken breasts provide a wholesome dose of protein, essential for muscle growth and repair. The welcome addition of black beans and corn not only add a delightful texture but are also a great source of dietary fiber and essential nutrients such as magnesium and vitamin B6. Plus, the vibrant avocados included in the recipe are rich in healthy fats that contribute to heart health.
More than that, the Mexican spices give a fiery punch to this soup, also serving as natural digestive aids. Did you know Mexican Bay Leaves have purported health benefits including potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties?
Meal Complement
If you’re considering what to pair this soup with, it works brilliantly with a side of Mexican Coleslaw or freshly baked Mexican Sopes for a complete, flavorsome meal. In essence, the Mexican Bay Leaf Chicken Soup serves as a wonderful, hearty main course or a warming starter dish, making it a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire.
What You’ll Need
- 1.5 lbs of chicken breasts
- 6 cups of chicken broth
- 4 Mexican bay leaves
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) of diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) of black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup of frozen corn
- 2 jalapenos, minced
- 1 cup of chopped cilantro
- 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
- 2 avocados, diced
- 2 lime, juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cheese and tortilla chips for serving
Method
Step One
Begin by placing the chicken breasts into a large pot and pour the chicken broth over them. Add the Mexican bay leaves to the pot then bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Allow the chicken to cook for about 25-30 minutes, or until it’s fully cooked and tender.
Step Two
Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the pot and set it aside to cool a bit. Once it’s cool enough to handle, shred the chicken into pieces using two forks. While the chicken is cooling, you can begin preparing your other ingredients.
Step Three
In the same pot where you cooked the chicken, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them until they become softened and the onion is translucent, this usually takes about 5 minutes. Next, add the can of diced tomatoes (with their juice), the rinsed and drained black beans, the frozen corn, and the minced jalapenos to the pot.
Step Four
Return the shredded chicken to the pot and add in the cumin and chopped cilantro. Allow the soup to simmer for another 10-15 minutes so that the flavors can meld together. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent anything from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Step Five
Just before serving the soup, add the diced avocados and freshly squeezed lime juice. Stir well to mix everything together and season the soup with salt and pepper according to your taste.
Step Six
Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve with a sprinkle of cheese and tortilla chips. Enjoy this comforting and nutritious Mexican Bay Leaf Chicken Soup!
