Lou’s Chayote Soup Recipe
Overview:
Lou’s Chayote Soup is a delightful Mexican-inspired dish featuring chayotes, a unique vegetable native to Mexico. This soup is subtly spiced with traditional Mexican flavors, making it an excellent choice for starting off a Mexican or even a North African themed meal.
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Serves: 4
- Calories: 71.8 per serving
- Rating: ★★★★☆ (1 review)
Ingredients:
- 2 chayotes, peeled, pitted, and quartered, then cut into 1/2-inch pieces
- 1 scallion, chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 chili pepper (adjust according to spice preference)
- 1/2 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 2 teaspoons ground allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
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Prepare Chayotes:
- Peel, pit, and quarter the chayotes. Then, cut them into 1/2-inch pieces.
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Sauté Aromatics:
- In a heavy 3-quart saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over moderate heat.
- Add the chopped scallions, minced garlic, and chili pepper. Sauté until softened, stirring occasionally.
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Add Spices:
- Stir in the ground allspice and ground cumin. Cook for about 1 minute to release their flavors.
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Cook Chayotes:
- Add the prepared chayotes, chopped fresh oregano, and half of the chopped cilantro to the saucepan. Stir and cook for about 2 minutes.
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Simmer:
- Pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover the saucepan and cook until the chayotes are very tender, approximately 20 minutes.
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Blend:
- Remove the saucepan from heat and discard the chili pepper.
- Using a blender, purée the soup until smooth and creamy.
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Season and Serve:
- Season the soup with salt and pepper according to your taste.
- Stir in the remaining chopped cilantro.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional cilantro leaves if desired.
Serving Suggestions:
Lou’s Chayote Soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or alongside a fresh salad for a light and satisfying meal. Its delicate flavors make it perfect for lunch or as a starter for a vibrant Mexican or North African-inspired dinner spread. Enjoy this nutritious and flavorful soup any time of the year!
This recipe is adapted for “Love With Recipes” to provide a detailed and easy-to-follow guide, ensuring that your culinary journey with Lou’s Chayote Soup is as enjoyable as it is delicious.
