Ah, Peruvian cuisine—a delightful dance of flavors that never fails to surprise me. This chicken soup, a warm hug in a bowl, reminds me of the rainy afternoons spent in Lima, where every spoonful is like a cozy blanket on a chilly day. It’s a simple dish, yet it’s as comforting and heartwarming as an old family story told around a crackling fire.
Steps
- Heat avocado oil in a large stock pot over medium-high heat. Sauté diced poblano pepper and white onion for about 5 minutes until the onion becomes translucent. Add aji amarillo paste (or serrano/jalapeño pepper) and minced garlic, and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant. Transfer this mixture to a blender and let it cool.
- In the same stock pot, combine 5 cups of chicken stock, cooked chicken, diced potatoes, carrots, rice, peas, and cumin. Stir well and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover partially, and let it cook for 25-30 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the rice is fully cooked.
- Once the soup is nearly done, add fresh cilantro leaves, lime juice, and the remaining 1 cup of chicken stock to the blender with the pepper mixture. Blend for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is smooth.
- Stir the cilantro mixture into the soup and mix well. Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve the soup immediately, garnished with additional chopped cilantro and green onions if desired. Enjoy your vibrant and flavorful Aguadito De Pollo.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil (or olive oil)
- 1 large poblano pepper, cored and diced
- 1 small white onion, peeled and diced
- 1 tablespoon aji amarillo paste (or 1 serrano or jalapeño pepper, cored and diced)
- 5 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
- 6 cups chicken stock, divided
- 2 cups shredded or diced cooked chicken
- 1 pound Yukon gold potatoes, diced
- 2 large carrots, peeled and diced
- 1/2 cup white or brown rice
- 1/2 cup peas
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 bunch fresh cilantro leaves
- Juice of 1 lime
- Optional garnishes: extra chopped fresh cilantro leaves, thinly-sliced green onions
FAQ
- What makes Aguadito De Pollo different from regular chicken and rice soup?
- Aguadito De Pollo is a Peruvian version of chicken and rice soup that incorporates a vibrant cilantro sauce made from pureed cilantro, chile peppers, onions, garlic, and lime juice, giving it a distinct green color and fresh flavor.
- Can I adjust the spiciness of the soup?
- Yes, you can customize the heat level of Aguadito De Pollo. The traditional recipe uses aji amarillo paste or aji chiles, but you can substitute them with serrano or jalapeño peppers, or omit the chile peppers entirely if you prefer a milder soup.
- What are some optional ingredients I can add to the soup?
- You can add whole kernel corn or diced red bell pepper to the soup for extra texture and flavor. If the soup turns out too thick, you can also add an additional cup of chicken stock to reach your desired consistency.
- How do I make the cilantro sauce for the soup?
- To make the cilantro sauce, sauté poblano pepper, onions, garlic, and aji amarillo paste (or alternative peppers) until soft. Blend this mixture with fresh cilantro leaves and lime juice until smooth, then stir it into the cooked soup before serving.
Tips
- Blend Cilantro Thoroughly: To achieve a smooth and vibrant cilantro sauce, be sure to puree the cilantro leaves, lime juice, and pepper mixture in the blender for at least 1-2 minutes. This ensures the mixture is completely smooth and incorporates well into the soup, giving it that signature green color and fresh flavor.
- Adjust Spice Level: Customize the spiciness of your soup by adjusting the amount of aji amarillo paste or by substituting with serrano or jalapeño peppers. For a milder version, use less or skip the chiles altogether. If you prefer it spicier, feel free to increase the amount to suit your taste.
- Control Soup Consistency: If you find the soup too thick for your liking, simply add an extra cup of chicken stock to achieve the desired consistency. This flexibility allows you to tailor the soup’s thickness to your preference.
- Enhance with Additional Veggies: For added texture and flavor, consider incorporating extra vegetables such as whole kernel corn or diced red bell pepper. These additions can complement the existing ingredients and make the soup more hearty and colorful.
Equipment
- Blender – For pureeing the cilantro, chile peppers, onions, garlic, and lime juice into a smooth mixture.
- Large Stock Pot – For cooking the soup and bringing all the ingredients together.
