Week 226: Spanish Chicken Rice Soup
Hello & welcome to the last menu of the spring soup season!!
Thank you again for another great year, I definitely have the best customers out there! I love stepping into the kitchen each week to cook for your families, I can't tell you how much I love feeding you. I already have a long list of new soups and breads to test out this summer so I promise the fall soup season is going to be better than ever. Have a great summer and I'll be back in touch in mid-August :-)
On the menu for TUESDAY, MAY 23rd is SPANISH CHICKEN RICE SOUP, GAZPACHO, and ITALIAN HERB BREAD. My Spanish chicken rice soup was a very popular new soup that is Spanish inspired and loaded with chicken, peppery chorizo, and flavorful rice in a delicious tomatoey broth. The soup begins with sauteing chorizo, a mildly spicy smoked sausage made with pork, rich spices, & paprika. Next, diced carrots, onions, red bell peppers, and garlic are added along with Spanish paprika, a little crushed red pepper, and bay leaves.
Once the veggies are softened, diced tomatoes, shredded chicken and homemade chicken stock are incorporated and brought to a simmer. While waiting for the soup to simmer, we cook the Spanish rice and then add it to the soup. The soup is garnished with Spanish olives, shredded Manchego cheese, and fresh lemon juice and cilantro to add a salty, fresh bite!
The second soup offered this week is GAZPACHO, a special request was made for this soup and with it being the last menu of the year, I couldn't resist. This chilled tomato and vegetable soup makes a perfect lunch or light dinner. My gazpacho is made with fresh tomatoes, cucumber, onions, garlic, red peppers, tomato juice, fresh lemon & lime juice, honey, a splash of red wine vinegar and fresh tarragon and basil.
The bread companion this week is my Italian Herb Bread. This delicious bread is filled with garlic, butter and fresh herbs. I've also received many requests to offer my pepperoni bread again, so you can add pepperoni to your loaf if you'd like. This bread is a fan favorite, with or without pepperoni, and the fresh herbs in it will make a perfect compliment to both soups.