Embrace Fall's Cozy Charm with Chicken Congee and Pozole Soup
As the vibrant colors of summer fade into the warm hues of autumn, there's a certain magic that envelops the air. The crisp breeze, the rustling leaves, and the anticipation of cozy evenings call for heartwarming dishes that celebrate the season's arrival. What better way to welcome fall than by indulging in comforting, soul-nourishing soups that not only warm you from within but also delight your taste buds?
Fall's Comfort in a Bowl: Chicken Congee
Originating from East Asia, chicken congee is a thick, creamy rice porridge that's the epitome of comfort food. Its simplicity is deceptive - within this humble bowl lies a wealth of flavor. It’s a dish that hugs your soul with every spoonful.
Recipe for Chicken Congee:
Ingredients:
1 cup jasmine rice
6 cups chicken broth
1 cup shredded cooked chicken
1-inch piece of ginger, peeled and sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2-3 Mushrooms, chopped (optional)
Salt and white pepper to taste
Instructions:
Rinse the jasmine rice until the water runs clear.
In a large pot, combine the rice, chicken broth, ginger, and garlic. Bring it to a boil.
Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 1 to 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally, until the rice has broken down and the mixture thickens.
Add the shredded chicken and let it simmer for an additional 15-20 minutes.
Season with salt and white pepper according to your taste.
Garnish with sesame oil/seeds, cilantro, green onions & egg.
Revelling in Autumn’s Flavors: Pazole Soup
Pazole, a traditional Mexican soup, is another fall favorite that embodies warmth and festivity. This rich and hearty stew, typically made with hominy and meat (often pork or chicken), is seasoned to perfection, offering a symphony of flavors in every spoonful.
Recipe for Pazole Soup:
Ingredients:
2 lbs chicken, cooked and shredded
4 cups chicken broth
6-8 tomatillos, blended
30 oz canned hominy, drained and rinsed
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 onion, chopped
2 tsp dried oregano
2 tsp ground cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings: avocado,
shredded cabbage, sliced radishes, chopped cilantro, lime wedges, jalapeños and tortilla chips
Instructions:
In a large pot, combine the chicken, chicken broth, hominy, garlic, onion, oregano, and cumin.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 30-40 minutes.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve the pazole soup hot, garnished with shredded cabbage, sliced radishes, chopped cilantro, a squeeze of lime juice, and some tortilla chips for added crunch.
As we bid farewell to summer and embrace the season's change, these delightful recipes welcome the cooler months with open arms. They're more than just meals; they're an embodiment of the season's spirit, bringing warmth, comfort, and a sense of togetherness to your table. So, wrap yourself in a cozy blanket, sip on these nourishing soups, and revel in the autumnal magic that's right at your fingertips.