A Bowl of Warmth and Happiness
I’ve been reminiscing a lot lately, and I couldn’t help but think about one of my absolute favorite dishes: chicken sopas. Just thinking about it makes me feel so nostalgic, taking me back to my childhood days.
I remember those rainy afternoons when I’d come home from school, drenched from the rain, and the smell of chicken sopas would greet me at the door. My grandma and mom would always have a pot simmering on the stove, and I’d rush to get a bowl, savoring the warmth and comfort it brought. There’s something incredibly soothing about sipping hot sopas while watching the rain pour outside. It’s like being wrapped in a cozy blanket, but in soup form.
Chicken sopas isn’t just a rainy-day comfort food for me, though. It’s something I enjoy anytime. Whether it’s a cold day or I just need a pick-me-up, a bowl of chicken sopas always hits the spot. There are so many variations that my grandma and mom cook—each one delicious in its own way—but chicken sopas is definitely my favorite. The creamy broth, tender chicken, and the mix of macaroni and vegetables create the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
It’s funny how a simple dish can hold so many memories. Every spoonful of chicken sopas brings back the warmth of family gatherings, the sound of laughter around the dinner table, and the love that went into making it. It’s more than just food; it’s a piece of home and a source of comfort no matter where I am.
I’d love to hear about some of your favorite dishes too. Maybe we can share recipes and stories over a bowl of chicken sopas sometime!
Recipe Video:
What is Chicken Sopas?
Ingredients:
- 400g chicken breast
- 6 cups water
- 1 cup elbow macaroni
- 5 cloves garlic
- 2 medium-sized onion
- 1 small carrot
- 1 can Vienna sausage
- 1 small stalk of celery
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- a knob of unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp. cooking oil
- 1 can of evaporated milk
- salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: fish sauce for added flavor
Instructions:
1. Cook the chicken:
- If using bone-in chicken, place it in a large pot with 7 cups of water. Bring to a boil, skim any scum that rises, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes or until chicken is cooked through. Shred the chicken meat and set aside. Discard bones. If using boneless, skinless chicken breasts, simply poach them in boiling water for 15-20 minutes, shred, and set aside.
- In a separate pot, melt butter and cooking oil over medium heat. Add garlic and onions and sauté until softened.
3. Build the soup base:
- Pour in the chicken broth and reserved water from boiling chicken (adjust the water amount depending on the desired broth thickness). Bring to a boil.
4. Add macaroni and simmer:
- Add macaroni and cook according to package instructions, until tender.
5. Incorporate vegetables and protein:
- (Optional) Add chopped carrots, Vienna sausage, celery, and cabbage. Simmer for 2 minutes. Stir in the shredded chicken.
6. Create the creamy sauce:
- Gradually add evaporated milk to the soup, stirring constantly.
7. Season and serve:
- Season with salt, pepper, and fish sauce (if using) to taste. Heat through, then ladle into bowls and enjoy!
- Comfort Food: Chicken sopas is often prepared by mothers or grandmothers, making it a nostalgic dish that evokes memories of home and family. It’s commonly served during breakfast or as a merienda (snack) and is a popular dish in school cafeterias.
- Versatility: The dish can be easily adapted with different ingredients based on what is available, making it a flexible and budget-friendly meal.
- Celebratory Dish: While it's a simple soup, it's also served during special occasions and gatherings, emphasizing its role in Filipino culinary traditions.
- Chicken: Typically, shredded chicken breast or thigh meat is used.
- Vegetables: Carrots, cabbage, and sometimes celery and peas.
- Macaroni: Elbow macaroni is the most common pasta used.
- Broth: Chicken broth is the base, enriched with evaporated milk for creaminess.
- Seasonings: Onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and sometimes fish sauce for extra depth of flavor.
- Creamy and Rich: The use of evaporated milk gives the broth a creamy texture and rich taste.
- Savory: The chicken and vegetables contribute to the soup’s savory flavor.
- Mildly Sweet: Carrots and milk add a hint of sweetness, balancing the savory elements.
- Comforting: The combination of textures and flavors creates a soothing and comforting experience.
- Nutritious: It’s packed with protein from the chicken and vitamins from the vegetables.
- Hydrating: As a soup, it helps keep you hydrated, especially beneficial during illness or hot weather.
- Digestive Aid: The warm broth can be soothing for the digestive system.
- Versatile Nutrient Content: The inclusion of pasta provides carbohydrates for energy, while the milk adds calcium and other essential nutrients.
- Comfort Food: It’s emotionally comforting and can lift spirits, making it a go-to meal during times of stress or illness.
- Sauté: Start by sautéing onions and garlic until aromatic.
- Cook Chicken: Add shredded chicken and cook until lightly browned.
- Add Liquids: Pour in chicken broth and water, bringing to a boil.
- Cook Pasta: Add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente.
- Vegetables: Stir in vegetables like carrots and cabbage and cook until tender.
- Creaminess: Add evaporated milk and simmer until the soup reaches the desired consistency.
- Seasoning: Season with salt, pepper, and optionally fish sauce.
Comments
Post a Comment