Hearty and Healthy HSA Recipes

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil
  • 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup of frozen corn
  • 1 can of diced tomatoes with juice
  • 4 cups of chicken broth
  • 2 teaspoons of ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon of chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese for garnish
  • 1/2 cup of chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
  • 1 avocado, sliced for garnish
  • Lime wedges for serving

Steps and instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add the chicken breasts to the pot and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
  3. In the same pot, add the diced onion, minced garlic, and diced bell peppers. Cook until the vegetables are soft.
  4. Add the can of black beans, frozen corn, and can of diced tomatoes with juice to the pot. Stir to combine.
  5. Add the chicken broth to the pot and bring the mixture to a simmer.
  6. While the soup is simmering, shred the cooked chicken with two forks. Add the shredded chicken back into the soup pot.
  7. Add the ground cumin, chili powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to the soup. Stir to combine.
  8. Let the soup simmer for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
  9. Serve the soup hot, garnished with shredded cheddar cheese, chopped fresh cilantro, sliced avocado, and a squeeze of lime juice.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Replace chicken with cooked shredded beef or pork for a different protein option.
  • Add diced jalapenos or a dash of hot sauce for a spicier version.
  • Include cooked rice or quinoa to make it more filling.
  • Substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth to make it vegetarian.
  • Add a can of diced green chilies for extra flavor.
  • Top with sour cream, salsa, or guacamole for additional toppings.
  • Use different types of beans such as kidney beans or pinto beans.
  • Add diced zucchini or butternut squash for added vegetables.
  • Incorporate different spices like smoked paprika or chipotle powder for a smoky kick.
  • Include a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice for a citrusy twist.

Recipe overview

Welcome to this delicious and comforting recipe that is sure to become your go-to on cold evenings. This hearty soup is full of fresh ingredients like bell peppers, onions, and garlic, combined with pantry staples like black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes. You'll find the tender chicken and aromatic spices create a savory depth of flavor that is perfectly balanced with a bright squeeze of lime at the end. Topped with cheese, avocado, and cilantro, this dish is not only tasty, but also visually appealing with its vibrant colors. This recipe is straightforward and easy to follow, making it perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs. Enjoy the process of creating this satisfying meal that will leave your tastebuds delighted and your belly full.

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of meat instead of chicken?
    Yes, you can substitute the chicken breasts with boneless, skinless chicken thighs or even shredded cooked turkey.
  2. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
    Absolutely! Simply omit the chicken and substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth. You can also add extra vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for added flavor and texture.
  3. How can I make this recipe spicier?
    If you prefer a spicier soup, you can add a chopped jalapeno or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the pot along with the other seasonings. Adjust the amount according to your taste preference.
  4. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
    Yes, you can use fresh diced tomatoes in place of the canned variety. Use about 2 cups of diced fresh tomatoes, and add a little extra tomato juice or broth to make up for the liquid in the canned tomatoes.
  5. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
    Yes, this soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
  6. How can I make this soup thicker?
    If you prefer a thicker soup, you can blend a portion of the soup using an immersion blender or regular blender. Blend until desired consistency is reached, then return the blended mixture back to the pot and stir to combine.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large pot - A large pot is needed to cook the soup and hold all the ingredients.
  • Cutting board - A cutting board is useful for chopping the onion, garlic, and bell peppers.
  • Chef's knife - A chef's knife is essential for slicing and dicing the ingredients.
  • Measuring spoons - Measuring spoons are needed to accurately measure the spices.
  • Cooking utensil - A cooking utensil, such as a spoon or spatula, is necessary for stirring the soup.
  • Forks - Forks are used to shred the cooked chicken.
  • Soup bowls - Soup bowls are needed for serving the soup.
  • Cheese grater - A cheese grater is helpful for shredding the cheddar cheese for garnish.
  • Chopping board - A chopping board is useful for chopping fresh cilantro for garnish.
  • Serving ladle - A serving ladle is needed for scooping and serving the soup.
  • Soup spoons - Soup spoons are used for eating the soup.
  • Avocado slicer - An avocado slicer can be used to slice the avocado for garnish.
  • Citrus juicer - A citrus juicer is useful for squeezing lime juice over the soup.

Origin stories

This hearty dish traces its roots back to the varied and vibrant cuisine of Mexico. Soups and stews have been a staple of Mexican cooking since pre-Columbian times, due to the region's rich agricultural bounty. The addition of ingredients like corn, beans, peppers, and tomatoes are a nod to the ancient Mesoamerican diets, while the chicken and spices reflect the influences of the Spanish. Serving it with garnishes like cheese, cilantro, avocado, and lime isn't just a means to enhance the flavors - it's a practice that dates back to the Aztecs, who believed in balancing the flavors of the main dish with a variety of complementary sides. So, when you're savoring this soup, you're not just enjoying a meal, you're partaking in a culinary tradition that spans centuries.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.