This immune-boosting Mexican chicken soup is packed with hearty vegetables, tender chicken, and a vibrant red sauce that will warm you up during the colder months. The broth is rich in flavor, while the red sauce adds depth and a comforting spice. Perfect for family meals, this dish is best served with rice, avocado, and a squeeze of lemon for added freshness.
Nutritional Benefits:
• Organic Chicken: A great source of protein, essential amino acids, and vitamins like B6 and niacin, which support immune health and recovery.
• Turmeric and Ginger: Both are anti-inflammatory powerhouses that can help strengthen the immune system, soothe the digestive system, and provide pain relief.
• Oregano: Known for its antibacterial and antiviral properties, oregano supports your immune system, making it an essential herb for flu and cold prevention.
• Garlic: Contains compounds like allicin, which have been shown to have antiviral and immune-boosting properties.
• Vegetables: Carrots, celery, potatoes, and zucchinis are rich in vitamins and minerals that contribute to overall health and immune function.
• Chili Guajillos (Optional): These dried chilies are packed with antioxidants and vitamin C, which support your body’s natural defenses.
This cozy, immunity-boosting soup not only tastes amazing but also provides your body with the nutrients it needs to stay strong and healthy. Perfect for cold weather and to support your immune system all year long!
Ingredients
Ingredients for the Soup:
- 4 pounds of organic drumsticks
- 3 bay leaves
- 1 thumb-sized piece of turmeric peeled and grated
- 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger peeled and grated
- 1 tablespoon oregano preferably with stems
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 3 cubed carrots
- 3 cubed celery sticks
- 3 diced tomatoes
- 3 diced potatoes
- 2 diced zucchinis
- ½ head of garlic peeled
- ½ medium onion chopped
- Filtered water enough to cover the chicken
Ingredients for the Red Sauce:
- 3 tomatoes chopped
- 2 dried guajillo chilies stemmed and seeds removed
- 1 tablespoon vegetable or chicken bouillon
- 3 garlic cloves peeled
- ½ onion chopped
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Start the Soup Broth:
- In a large pot, place the organic drumsticks and add enough filtered water to cover the chicken. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat and let it simmer.
- Add the bay leaves, turmeric, ginger, oregano (including the stems), half of the garlic head, half of the onion, and 1 tablespoon of salt. Let it simmer for 30-40 minutes, occasionally skimming off any impurities that rise to the surface.
- Prepare the Red Sauce:
- While the chicken is simmering, prepare the red sauce. In a small bowl, soak the guajillo chilies in the broth from the chicken to soften them.
- In a blender, combine the soaked guajillo chilies, 3 chopped tomatoes, the remaining garlic, onion, bouillon, cumin, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth.
- Strain the Broth:
- Once the chicken has cooked and the broth is flavorful, carefully remove the drumsticks from the pot. Skim off any remaining impurities from the broth.
- Strain the blended red sauce into the pot using a fine mesh strainer, ensuring that only the liquid passes through and any solids are discarded. Stir to combine and let the soup simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
- Add the Vegetables:
- Once the chicken is cooked through, add the cubed carrots, celery, potatoes, and zucchinis to the pot. Stir well and let the soup simmer until the vegetables are tender, about 20-30 minutes.
- Shred the Chicken:
- While the vegetables are simmering, remove the chicken from the pot and shred the meat, discarding the bones. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir everything together.
- Taste and Adjust:
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt or spices to your liking. Let the soup simmer for a few more minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve:
- Serve the soup hot with your favorite side dishes, such as rice, avocado, lemon wedges, or extra salsa for a burst of flavor.
- This Mexican chicken soup is not only delicious and comforting but also packed with nutrients to help support your immune system. The turmeric and ginger bring anti-inflammatory benefits, while the vegetables add essential vitamins and minerals. Enjoy this soup to nourish your body and warm your soul!
