better than tortilla soup
Do you like chicken tortilla soup? Have you previously thought it was the stronger go to over its lesser mentioned sister soup, chicken posole? Think again! My go to gal for simple, reliable new recipes, Gaby Dalkin, shared her easy Chicken Posole in January over on her blog What’s Gaby Cooking. I’ve made my few minimal amendments below:
INGREDIENTS
✧ 1 lb pasture raised chicken breast
✧ 4 c chicken bone broth
✧ 1 bay leaf
✧ 1/2 tsp chopped fresh, organic thyme
✧ 1/2 tsp fresh oregano, chopped
✧ 3 cloves garlic, crushed
✧ 1 tsp cumin
✧ 1 tsp Pink Himalayan salt
✧ 3/4 tsp chili powder
✧ 1/2 tsp coriander
✧ 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
✧ 1 c canned hominy drained and rinsed…unless you’re a real pro and want to go for organic, dried hominy!
IT’S ALL ABOUT THE TOPPINGS
✧ Diced avocado
✧ Lime wedges
✧ Fresh cilantro, chopped
✧ Cotija cheese, crumbled
✧ Scallions, slivered
✧ Simple homemade crema, aka organic greek yogurt, lime juice, cilantro, paprika & garlic combined
✧ Grain-free tortilla chips for scooping
NOTES
꩜ Shop wild, organic (spices & oils included) & in season whenever possible, plus make sure to fully clean all residue off produce with baking soda prior to cooking.
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Either poach chicken in water OR skillet cook. If skillet cooking for extra flavor, carefully slice raw chicken breasts in half on large cutting board so you have thinly sliced pieces. Sprinkle both sides with salt and pepper. Heat a tbsp of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and sear for 1 minute on both sides until golden brown. Turn the heat to low, cover the pan, and cook for 12 minutes more, flipping the chicken halfway to fully cook. Once cooked, set the chicken aside.
2. Add the chicken broth to a medium Dutch oven and bring it to a rapid simmer. Once simmering, add the bay leaf, thyme, oregano, garlic, cumin, 1/2 tsp of salt, chili powder, coriander and red pepper flakes. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15 mins.
3. Meanwhile, using 2 forks, shred the chicken into small pieces.
4. Add the chicken and drained hominy to the Dutch oven. Raise the heat to medium to warm everything through. Add salt or other seasonings to taste. Discard the bay leaf.
5. Serve the soup with ample desired toppings.
Some functional food for thought —
ORGANIC PASTURE RAISED CHICKEN
Similar to buying organic produce, it’s critical to seek out organic pasture raised chicken and eggs. Similar to whole organic grass-fed beef, there’s a major pay off on the nutrient and taste front, as well as on the ethics side — and if we have to realize that the ethics, such as filthy living conditions, cross right over into the quality of our food (and health!). Don’t skim on quality, if anything skim on quantity.
This brings me to my next point on the importance of quality animal protein. As I primarily plant based eater, I personally find it challenging to eat enough high quality animal protein. I can pile on the nuts, beans, tofu and seeds, but I can tell that when my energy level is down at certain moments, it’s typically pointing back to my body’s need for a little more protein. My recommendation is that as long as you’re open to it, give yourself the challenge of making a fun new meat dish once or even twice a week. It really ups the kitchen game and also gives a boost to energy, as well as mood and immunity!
CILANTRO
Also known as coriander, cilantro is very polarizing, but it’s hands down one of my absolute favorite herbs! And thankfully, it’s a true superfood. From lowering blood-sugar levels, to heavy metal cleansing, to preventing cardiovascular damage, to possessing anti-anxiety and mood lifting effects, to improving sleep quality, to acting as an antimicrobial and natural internal deodorant — cilantro is simply a super-powered detox herb! Its strong antioxidant properties should also be highlighted, rich with beta-carotene and lutein, both carotenoids known to reduce damage to cells caused by free radicals.
PINK HIMALAYAN SALT
Since pink Himalayan salt is less processed than table salt, your body has an easier time processing it, as it doesn’t require as much water to clear out the excess sodium! It also contains more than 80 minerals and elements, including potassium, iron, calcium and (naturally occurring) iodine, aiding our body’s natural detoxification process and promoting the removal of bacteria. This can even help lower blood pressure, as iodine supports our body’s electrolyte balance, allowing our intestines to absorb more nutrients.
As with everything I make, I love to know the ingredients will fuel not only a beautiful plate, but a beautiful feeling inside. Steeped in the culture of being raised in Japanese and Italian homes, I understand the magnitude of importance food holds. I also believe in the philosophy of eating to live versus living to eat. It really is not about deprivation, it’s about remaining mindful and raising the vibration — no matter how incredible something taste’s, it’s also about how it “tastes” to our minds, bodies and souls that will keep the true “deliciousness” with us long past the moment of actual consumption. Pillars I continue to remind myself:
1. The quality of ingredients matter.
2. Less is always more.
3. Think loving thoughts while cooking and the food will taste better! #truth
4. Remain present while enjoying the intimate act of eating, it’s a game changer.
With love & gratitude, cheers to your good health!
medical disclaimer: all information is intended for general information purposes only and should not be considered as personal medical advice. individuals should always consult their healthcare provider before administering any of the suggestions made on thebalancedcalm.com to ensure they are appropriate for their specific circumstance.
