Peruvian Chicken Soup (Aguadito de Pollo)

Ingredients and Weight:

• 1 whole chicken (3-4 pounds)
• 1 large onion (8 ounces), diced
• 3 cloves garlic (1 ounce), minced
• 1 small can (6 ounces) tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 cup yellow or white rice
• 1 large carrot (6 ounces), diced
• 1 celery stalk (5 ounces), diced
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation Time:

• 15 minutes

Cooking Time:

• 1 hour

Difficulty Level:

• 2 (Easy)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the chicken on all sides over medium heat. Remove the chicken and set aside.
2. Add the onion, garlic, tomato paste, cumin, oregano, and bay leaf to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the rice, carrot, and celery and cook for 1 minute.
4. Return the chicken to the pot and add the chicken broth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
6. Stir in the cilantro before serving.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: 300 per serving
• Fat: 10 grams
• Protein: 25 grams
• Carbohydrates: 30 grams

Dish Characteristics:

• Hearty and flavorful soup with tender chicken and fluffy rice
• Aromatic and comforting with the flavors of cumin, oregano, and cilantro
• Suitable for all ages and tastes

User Comments:

• "This soup is absolutely delicious! The flavors are so well-balanced and it is so comforting."
• "I love the addition of the rice, it makes the soup even more filling and satisfying."
• "This is a great soup to make for a crowd, it is easy to make and everyone loves it!"
• "I made this soup for my family and they all raved about it. It is now a regular in our household."
• "This soup is perfect for a cold winter night. It is warm, comforting, and packed with flavor."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Use a whole chicken for a richer flavor.
• If you don't have fresh cilantro, you can use 1/4 cup of dried cilantro.
• Serve with crusty bread or tortillas for dipping.