Mexican Chicken Soup with a Twist

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces (about 3 lbs / 1.4 kg) 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces (about 3 lbs / 1.4 kg)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, diced 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, sliced 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 potatoes, diced 2 potatoes, diced
• 1 zucchini, diced 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 teaspoon cumin 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon chili powder 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 8 cups (1.9 liters) chicken broth 8 cups (1.9 liters) chicken broth
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 3g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 15g, 4g
• Protein: 35g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté until fragrant.
2. 2.
   Add the chicken pieces to the pot and cook until browned on all sides.
3. 3.
   Add the sliced carrots, diced potatoes, and diced zucchini to the pot. Stir in the cumin, dried oregano, and chili powder.
4. 4.
   Pour in the chicken broth and bring the soup to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
5. 5.
   Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. 6.
   Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chicken — Make sure to remove the skin before adding it to the soup to reduce the fat content.
• Cumin — Toasting the cumin seeds before grinding them will enhance their flavor.
• Fresh cilantro — Add the cilantro just before serving to preserve its freshness and vibrant flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a diced jalapeno or serrano pepper to the soup.
• Serve the soup with warm tortillas or crusty bread for a complete meal.
• Customize the vegetables based on your preference or seasonal availability.
• Make a large batch and freeze the leftovers for quick and easy meals.
• Squeeze some fresh lime juice over the soup before serving for a burst of citrus flavor.

Serving advice

Serve the Caldo de Pollo Ranchero hot in individual bowls. Accompany it with warm tortillas or crusty bread for a satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

Garnish each bowl of soup with a sprig of fresh cilantro to add a pop of color. Serve the soup in colorful Mexican-inspired bowls to enhance the presentation.