Caldo de Pollo con Arroz (Chicken Soup with Rice)

Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Servings: 6
Yield: 6 servings

Description

Try this caldo de pollo con arroz soup for an unforgettable blend of chicken, rice, and veggies in a chipotle-infused tomato sauce.

Ingredients

2 cups water
1 cup uncooked white rice
5 medium tomatoes
1/2 medium onion, roughly chopped
2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
1 clove garlic
1 pinch ground black pepper
1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
1 cup chopped celery
1 quart chicken broth
1 cube chicken bouillon
1/2 pound fresh green peas
1 large cooked chicken breast, shredded
1 medium avocado - peeled, pitted, and sliced
1/2 (8 ounce) package Monterey Jack cheese, diced

Directions

1 Bring water and rice to a boil in a saucepan. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until rice is tender and water has been absorbed, 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from the heat and keep warm.
2 While the rice is cooking, place tomatoes into a pot and cover with water; bring to a boil. Cook until tomatoes are soft but not falling apart, 5 to 8 minutes. Drain and let cool briefly.
3 Peel tomatoes and discard skins. Place tomatoes into a blender with onion, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, garlic, and black pepper; blend until smooth. Strain mixture and discard any solids.
4 Heat oil in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Add carrots and celery; sauté until lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Pour in blended tomato sauce, then add chicken broth and bouillon. Cook and stir until carrot and celery are soft, 10 to 15 minutes. Add peas and chicken; cook until heated through, about 3 minutes.
5 Spoon rice into bowls and ladle soup over top. Garnish with avocado slices and Monterey Jack cheese.