Caldo de Pollo Cubano
A hearty and comforting Cuban chicken soup, rich with vegetables and seasoned with traditional Cuban spices. It's a staple in many Cuban households, known for its restorative qualities.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 about 3-4 lbs Whole chicken(cut into pieces, or use chicken pieces like thighs and drumsticks)
- 10 cups Water
- 1 large Yellow onion(chopped)
- 1 large Green bell pepper(chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic cloves(minced)
- 3 medium Carrots(peeled and sliced)
- 2 Celery stalks(sliced)
- 2 medium Potatoes(peeled and cubed)
- 2 ears Corn on the cob(cut into 2-inch pieces (optional))
- 1 tsp Cumin
- 1 tsp Oregano
- 1 Bay leaf
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 0.25 cup Fresh cilantro or parsley(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken pieces on all sides. Remove chicken and set aside.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 2
Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the pot and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 3
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
⏱️ 1 minute - 4
Return the chicken to the pot. Add the water, cumin, oregano, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes.
⏱️ 30 minutes - 5
Add the carrots, celery, potatoes, and corn (if using) to the pot. Continue to simmer, covered, for another 30-40 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the chicken is cooked through.
⏱️ 30-40 minutes - 6
Remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
💡 Tip: Ensure chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender. - 7
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped cilantro or parsley before serving.
💡 Tip: Fresh herbs add a burst of flavor.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer broth, use chicken backs or wings along with the main chicken pieces.
- ✓If you prefer a less oily broth, skim off any excess fat from the surface after simmering.
- ✓This soup is excellent for making ahead, as the flavors meld further overnight.
🔄 Variations
- Add a handful of rice or small pasta shapes (like orzo or ditalini) during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
- Include other root vegetables like yuca or malanga for a heartier soup.
- A splash of lime juice just before serving can brighten the flavors.