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Mexican Recipe for Taco Soup with Cilantro
This delicious and healthy chicken soup recipe features chicken, cheese, black beans, garlic, rice, jalapenos and more. For a real taste of Mexico, you cannot go wrong with this easy Mexican soup recipe. This is quite a nutritious recipe because it is low in fat, yet high in protein and vitamin content.
You can adapt some of the ingredients if you want to, omitting anything you are not keen on and maybe adding some extra vegetables. If you have anything to use up, such as mushrooms or bell pepper, feel free to add them.
Soup recipes are very popular in Mexico and that fact often surprises people whose ideas about authentic Mexican food recipes are based on what is available from their local Mexican fast food joint. Actually Mexicans love to use fresh produce in recipes, which is why the following recipe is so typically Mexican. This chicken taco soup is satisfying enough for lunch or dinner.
Mexican Soup Recipe with Chicken and Black Beans
Ingredients -
2 quarts chicken broth
1 cup water
1 chopped onion
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 tablespoons chili powder
½ cup chopped cilantro
14 oz can black beans
2 big chicken breasts
4 chopped garlic cloves
1 tablespoon dried oregano
14 oz can corn kernels
3 corn tortillas
½ cup uncooked white rice
2 de-seeded, finely diced jalapenos
2 teaspoon ground cumin
1 cup shredded cheese (Cheddar or Mexican is fine)
Small pot sour cream
Frying oil, as needed
Preparation:
Sauté the onions in a tablespoon of oil for a couple of minutes, then add the garlic and sauté for 1 more minute.
Pour in the water and broth. Stir in the rice and bring the mixture to a simmer.
Add the drained corn, drained black beans, jalapeno, and seasonings. Add ¾ of the cilantro.
Simmer for 30 minutes.
Chop the chicken breasts and sauté them in oil in another pan until they are cooked.
Shred the chicken and add it to the soup.
Slice the tortillas into thin strips and fry them in oil until they are golden and crispy. Drain them on paper towels.
Divide the soup between 6 bowls and add cheese and tortilla strips to each one.
Garnish with the sour cream and remaining cilantro.
(Serves 6)
Wine Suggestion:
Which Wine to Serve with This Recipe for Taco Soup
When pairing wine with food, you can make them complement one another or contrast with one another. Match your wine with the chili and tortilla flavors in this chicken taco soup recipe. A crisp Sauvignon Blanc, with fresh, well-balanced fruit flavors will accent the sweet piquancy of the chili. The acid will cut through the rich soup flavors.
Recipe for Taco Soup
Photo Description:
This colorful chicken taco soup recipe is heaven in a bowl. The bright colors make it really tempting and the cilantro and dollop of sour cream (or crème fraiche, if you prefer) on top adds to its appeal. This rich, hearty Mexican soup recipe features chicken, black beans, corn, tomatoes, cheese and more, for an authentic south of the border meal. You can serve extra tortillas on the side or simply serve this soup alone. The rice and chicken make it satisfying enough, without the need for side dishes.
How to Make Your Own Taco Seasoning
You can buy taco seasoning or you can make your own, and some recipes for taco soup call for a pinch of this, to add a Mexican flavor. Taco seasoning is primarily used to make tacos but it can be used to flavor all kinds of things. Store-bought taco seasoning mixes tend to contain preservatives and other chemicals, so you might prefer to make your own.
Combine a tablespoon of minced dried onions with a teaspoon each of cornstarch, garlic powder and ground cumin. Add a teaspoon and a half of salt and two teaspoons of chili powder. Add half a teaspoon of hot paprika or cayenne pepper or double this amount for a spicier result. This recipe makes one and a quarter ounces, which is the same as a taco seasoning package. You can use homemade taco seasoning to spice up tomato sauce, dips, casseroles, hamburger recipes, or meatloaf, as well as adding some to your recipe for taco soup.
Herby Taco Seasoning
If you want to taste herbs in your taco soup seasoning, you can make a slightly different recipe. Mix together two teaspoons each of crushed dried red pepper flakes and paprika with two tablespoons each of chili powder and cornstarch. Stir in quarter of a cup of instant minced onion, half a teaspoon of dried marjoram, one and a half teaspoons of dried oregano, quarter of a teaspoon each of ground cumin and black pepper, and one tablespoon each of salt and instant minced garlic. You can also add some cayenne pepper for a kick.
Keep this taco seasoning in a tightly sealed container, in a dry, cool place, and use it within six months. Two tablespoons of this mixture equals one taco seasoning mix envelope. To make a taco filling, you should brown a pound of ground beef and drain the grease. Add two tablespoons of this homemade taco seasoning mix recipe and half a cup of water, turn the heat down and simmer the mixture for ten to thirty minutes. If you simmer it for thirty minutes, the flavor will be better. You will have enough taco filling to fill eight to ten tacos.
Adding Taco Mix to a Taco Soup Recipe
If you want to make a recipe for taco soup, you can also use your homemade taco seasoning to add extra flavor to the soup. A taco soup recipe might contain strips of fried tortilla and some ground beef, as well as other Mexican ingredients, and using a homemade taco soup seasoning mix means you can add delicious, fresh flavor to it and end up with something really delicious. You can invent your own taco soup recipe or follow an existing one, adding a pinch or two to the soup, until the flavor is strong enough. Homemade taco seasoning has a better flavor than store-bought ones and it is healthier too, since you do not get all the chemicals and preservatives in homemade ones.
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