Tex-Mex Seasoning Mix

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about the heart of this dish – the Tex-Mex seasoning mix. It’s a blend of chili powder, cumin, coriander, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. This mix adds depth and richness to the soup, giving it that signature Tex-Mex taste. Plus, you can make extra and store it for future use! In a pinch, this organic spice blend works well.

To begin, heat up some olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic, onion, and red bell pepper, and sprinkle on some of that flavorful Tex-Mex seasoning mix. Cook until the vegetables are tender and start to caramelize, infusing your kitchen with irresistible aromas.

Next, it’s time to add the star ingredients – fire-roasted tomatoes with green chilies, black beans, bay leaves, and chicken broth. Nestle in some chicken breasts and let everything simmer together, allowing the flavors to meld and develop into a rich, hearty soup.

Simmer to Perfection

As the soup simmers away, the chicken cooks through, becoming tender and easy to shred. The longer it simmers, the more flavorful it becomes. Be sure to keep an eye on it and adjust the heat as needed to maintain a gentle simmer.

Once the chicken is cooked, stir in some sweet corn kernels and fresh lime juice for a burst of freshness. Let everything simmer for a few more minutes until the corn is heated through. Then, it’s time to taste and adjust the seasonings to your liking.

When it’s time to serve, ladle the soup into bowls and top it off with diced avocado, chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice. These fresh toppings add a pop of color and flavor, taking your soup to the next level of deliciousness.

There you have it – a mouthwatering Tex-Mex Chicken & Black Bean Soup that’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or simply craving a cozy meal at home, this recipe has you covered. So grab your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a bowl of warm, comforting goodness!

Flavorful Tex-Mex Chicken & Black Bean Soup

Recipe by Easy Clean RecipesCourse: SoupsDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

20

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Ingredients

• Tex-Mex Seasoning Mix Ingredients:

• ¼ c. chili powder 

• 2 T. ground cumin

• 2 t. ground coriander

• 1 T. garlic powder 

• 2 t. smoked paprika 

• 1 t. fine sea salt

• ½ t. black pepper

• Remaining Ingredients:

• 2 T. extra virgin olive oil, divided

• 2-3 large cloves garlic, finely chopped

• ½ medium white onion, diced

• 1 medium red bell pepper, diced

• Sea salt and black pepper, to taste

• 1 14-oz. can diced fire-roasted tomatoes with green chilies, with liquid

• 1 15-oz. can black beans, drained and rinsed

• 2 whole bay leaves

• 3½ c. chicken broth, preferably organic

• 1 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 1 c. sweet corn kernels

• 3 T. fresh lime juice

• Optional Toppings:

• 1 large avocado, diced

• Fresh cilantro, chopped

• 1 large lime, cut into wedges

Directions

• To prepare the Tex-Mex seasoning mix, combine all ingredients in a medium-sized bowl and stir to combine. Transfer to an airtight storage container and store in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.
• Add olive oil, garlic, onion, and red bell pepper to a large, high-sided skillet set over medium heat. Sprinkle two tablespoons of the Tex-Mex seasoning mix on top and stir to combine. Cook, stirring frequently, until vegetables are crisp-tender and start to develop some color, approximately 4-5 minutes.
• Add fire-roasted tomatoes, black beans, bay leaves, and chicken broth and stir to combine. Nestle the chicken breasts into the skillet so they are completely submerged in the liquid.
• Increase heat to medium-high and bring to a rapid boil, then immediately reduce heat to just below medium. Cover skillet loosely with a lid and simmer for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and shreds easily with two forks.
• Stir in corn and fresh lime juice and simmer until heated through, approximately 5-10 minutes. Remove from heat and discard bay leaves. Taste and adjust seasonings, as desired, and serve immediately topped with diced avocado, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges for squeezing. Enjoy! 

Also try: Creamy Golden Gazpacho Soup

One of the best things about this recipe is its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up a batch of this soup in no time. Plus, it’s perfect for those hot summer days when you want something light and refreshing.

The Secret to Creamy Golden Gazpacho Soup

But here’s the secret to making this soup truly exceptional: patience. While most tomato-based recipes taste better the next day, this soup needs a little extra time to reach its full potential. That’s why we recommend preparing it one or two days in advance and allowing the flavors to meld and develop completely.

To start, gather your ingredients: yellow tomatoes, garlic, yellow pepper, whole kernel corn, honey, fresh ginger, smoked paprika, Greek yogurt, and fresh chives. You’ll also need a high-powered blender and a large skillet or pot.

Begin by roughly chopping the tomatoes, garlic, and yellow pepper, and adding them to the blender along with the corn. Blend until smooth, then transfer the mixture to a skillet or pot set over medium heat. Stir in the honey, ginger, and smoked paprika, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook until heated through, then remove from heat and let cool completely.

Once cooled, stir in the Greek yogurt to add a creamy texture to the soup. Transfer it to an airtight container and chill in the refrigerator, preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to mingle and intensify, resulting in a richer, more robust soup.

Chilled Soup Ready to Serve

When you’re ready to serve, ladle the chilled soup into pretty individual bowls with handles like these and garnish each with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of fresh chives. The creamy texture combined with the bright flavors of the yellow tomatoes and peppers make this soup a true delight for the senses.

So why wait? Try this Creamy Golden Gazpacho Soup today and elevate your soup game to a whole new level. Whether you enjoy it as a light lunch, a refreshing starter, or a satisfying dinner, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!

Creamy Golden Gazpacho Soup: A Refreshing Twist on a Classic Recipe

Recipe by Easy Clean RecipesCourse: SoupsDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

10

minutes

Ingredients

• 1¼ lbs. yellow tomatoes, roughly chopped

• 2 large cloves garlic, peeled

• 1 large yellow pepper, seeded and roughly chopped

• 2 c. whole kernel corn (fresh or frozen)

• 1 T. honey

• 1t. fresh ginger, finely minced

• ½ t. smoked paprika

• Sea salt and black pepper, to taste

• 2/3 c. Greek yogurt + more for garnish

• 2 T. fresh chives, finely chopped

Directions

• Working in batches, if necessary, add tomatoes, garlic, yellow pepper, and corn to a high-powered blender. Blend on high speed until smooth, approximately 1-2 minutes.
• Transfer blended vegetables to a large high-sided skillet or pot set over medium heat. Stir in the honey, ginger, and smoked paprika. Season with salt and black pepper, to taste, and cook, stirring frequently, until heated through.
• Remove from heat and cool completely before stirring in the Greek yogurt.  Transfer to an airtight container to chill, preferably overnight.
• Remove soup from refrigerator and transfer to individual serving bowls. Garnish each bowl with a dollop of Greek yogurt and fresh chives before serving. Enjoy!

Understanding the Distinction: Stew vs Soup

Before we delve into the details of the Rustic Chicken and White Bean Stew, let’s take a moment to appreciate the difference between a soup and a stew. While both dishes offer a comforting experience, the primary distinction lies in the amount of liquid used during preparation. Soups tend to have a higher liquid content, resulting in a more brothy consistency, whereas stews have less liquid, creating a thicker, heartier texture.

Stretching Your Budget

One of the beauties of the Rustic Chicken & White Bean Stew recipe is its versatility. If you’re looking to make your grocery budget go a little further, you can easily transform this stew into a soup. Simply double the amount of broth called for in the recipe or use a combination of broth and water to stretch the liquid base. To elevate the nutritional value, consider adding some chopped greens, such as spinach, kale, or escarole. These additions not only enhance the flavors but also make for a rich and satisfying soup.

Introducing Andouille Sausage

Now, let’s talk about the star ingredient that adds a distinctive twist to our Rustic Chicken & White Bean Stew – the Andouille sausage. Originating from Louisiana, this smoky and spicy sausage infuses the stew with a depth of flavor that elevates the overall taste profile. Andouille sausage is traditionally made with smoked pork, garlic, onions, and a combination of seasonings that include paprika, cayenne pepper, and thyme. Its robust and slightly spicy nature pairs exceptionally well with the tender chicken and creamy white beans, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.

Cooking the Rustic Chicken & White Bean Stew

To prepare this delightful stew, begin by browning the Andouille sausage in a large pot to release its flavors and render some of the smoky fat. Once the sausage is nicely browned, set it aside and use the rendered fat to sauté the onions, garlic, and other aromatic ingredients. This process helps build the foundation of the stew and enhances the overall taste.

Next, add the diced chicken and cook until it turns golden brown, infusing the meat with the flavors from the sausage and aromatics. As the chicken cooks, the kitchen will be filled with enticing scents, promising a truly satisfying meal.

Once the chicken is cooked, it’s time to add the white beans, broth (or broth-water mixture), and any additional vegetables you desire. The stew should then be allowed to simmer gently, allowing all the flavors to meld together and the ingredients to become tender and delicious. The result will be a hearty, rustic stew that is perfect for chilly evenings or when you crave a nourishing meal.

Enjoy!

The Rustic Chicken & White Bean Stew offers a wholesome and satisfying dining experience. By understanding the distinction between soups and stews, you can adapt the recipe to suit your preferences, either by increasing the liquid to create a comforting soup or reducing it for a heartier stew. Additionally, the inclusion of Andouille sausage adds a delightful smoky and spicy element that takes this stew to new heights of flavor. Whether enjoyed on its own or with a side of crusty bread, this rustic dish is sure to warm your body and soul, providing a delightful culinary experience.

Try also: Boneless Pork Chops with Wild Rice Pilaf