A Deliciously Tasty Cuban Chicken Soup Recipe
Cuban cuisine is known for its flavorful herbs and spices like garlic, oregano, cumin, and bay leaves. The staple ingredients are often determined by what’s available and growing in abundance at the time. Items like beans, plantains, rice, chicken, and pork are often used as base ingredients. Then, add in the Spanish, African, and Caribbean influences, and this all combines for some of the most satisfying food on the planet.
Cuban soup is no exception. The people of this island take pride in making sopa (soup) that delights the tastebuds and fills the belly. If you want a Cuban soup that’s sure to satisfy you (as well as relieve cold symptoms and even a hangover), you need to try this delicious chicken soup recipe.
A Deliciously Tasty Cuban Chicken Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15-20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 2 pounds of chicken thigh or breast meat (no bones), season with Adobo or poultry seasoning
- 3 quarts of water
- 3 potatoes, chopped chunky
- 1 cup of carrots, shredded or cubed
- 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 ear of corn, chopped into 4 pieces
- 1 chicken bouillon cube
- 2 tablespoons of sofrito
- Fideo noodles
- 3 tablespoons of cilantro, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 tablespoon of oregano
- 1 stalk of celery, diced
- lime juice
- olive oil
- salt and pepper
Directions
- Season the chicken with Adobo or other poultry seasoning.
- Pour the water into a large pot and place the seasoned chicken in the water and cook for 45 minutes, on a medium heat.
- Remove the chicken and allow to cool. Cut into small pieces. Put it back into the pot with all of the vegetables and garlic.
- Stir in the bouillon cube, along with the sofrito and the rest of the herbs and spices.
- Cover and cook for 45 minutes or until the carrots and potatoes are tender.
- Add the pasta and cook for 4-5 more minutes.
- Adjust the seasoning to taste if needed.
- Serve with the lime and cilantro.
Tip
Fideo noodles can be found in most Latin and Asian markets. They may even be found in the specialty sections of some large supermarkets. If you cannot find them, you can substitute them with Angel Hair pasta.
Nutritional Information
- calories: 318
- carbohydrates: 65 grams
- protein: 11 grams
- fat: 1 gram
- sodium: 42 milligrams
- potassium: 888 milligrams
- fiber: 6 grams
- sugar: 3 grams
- calcium: 73 milligrams
- iron: 6 milligrams
How Long Will My Cuban Chicken Soup Last?
Should you find yourself with leftover soup, feel free to store it in the fridge for 3-5 days. If you want to freeze some for the long haul, it will stay tasty for about 3 months.
After that, it will still be safe to eat, but will start to lose flavor as more ice forms in the container and dilutes the soup.
Be sure to take the noodles out before freezing. They will breakdown over time and make the soup grainy.
What Are The Most Popular Foods In Cuba?
There are so many popular and delicious dishes in Cuba, that it’s hard to narrow them down. But these recipes are really staples that you can find in restaurants and homes all over the country. They’re also great to serve with your chicken soup.
1. Ropa Vieja
Not only is it popular, it’s the national dish of Cuba. Translated to mean “old clothes”, this is a delightful mix of bell peppers, onions, flank steak, tomato sauce. It’s usually served over a bed of rice.
2. Picadillo
A savory stew made with slow cooked tomatoes, potatoes, ground beef, seasonings, wine, and olives. It can be served over rice or used as a filling for tacos and tortillas.
3. Boliche
For this delight, the tender eye beef round is stuffed with chorizo (sausage) and simmered in wine, onions, and citrus juices like lime. It’s usually served with plantains, rice, and yuca.
4. Yuca Con Mojo
Cassava (a root vegetable similar to potato) is the star of this show. It is made in an orange sauce with onion and cilantro. It goes great with chicken or pork.
5. Plantains Maduros Fritos
Tasty plantains are fried in oil with some garlic, salt, and pepper. They are served as a side with most Cuban meals, and also eaten as a snack.
6. Arroz y Frijoles
Rice and beans are a common base for many Cuban dishes. But they’re also gray on their own with some rice. Though black beans are the most popular, any type of bean can be combined with garlic, cilantro, and cumin for a spicy treat.
7. Flan
No list of popular Cuban cuisine would be complete without this creamy dessert. This is part custard, part cake. It is drizzled with caramel and is guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Is Chicken Soup Actually Good For The Common Cold?
There is a lot of debate as to whether or not chicken soup is actually a remedy for the common cold. The truth is, it’s not a cure, but it has been proven to help relieve symptoms and speed up the recovery process.
Chicken contains cysteine, an amino acid that helps loosen congestion in the head and chest. The addition of spices like garlic, cumin, and pepper adds to this decongestant process. Chicken also has tons of protein that helps boost the immune system.
It’s also got tryptophan, which produces serotonin that helps the body relax and can help you get some much needed rest. The veggies are high in vitamin C and K, which are full of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.
This, combined with the warmth and steam of the soup and the hydrating power of the broth, definitely makes chicken soup a bonafide treatment for the sniffles.
Can I Add Other Toppings To My Cuban Chicken Soup?
You can add whatever you want to your soup. Some topping ideas include:
- any type of cracker
- crushed chips
- shredded cheddar cheese
- bacon bits
- sour cream
- grated parm
- red pepper flakes
- hot sauce
- chopped green onions
