Easy Chicken Pazole [RECIPE]

Easy Chicken Pazole
Get this hearty Mexican soup on the table in just 10 minutes! (Photo by Jathan Fink, Jadeworks Entertainment)

Just because time is at a premium, it doesn’t mean that you can’t get a homemade dinner on the table in minutes. This recipe turns pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients into a classic Mexican soup that is both hearty and delicious.

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Corn, Tomato, and Black Bean Salsa

Corn, Tomato, and Black Bean Salsa

Great as a side dish or served with blue corn chips for a quick snack, our Corn, Tomato, and Black Bean Salsa is refreshing and delicious with a touch of sweetness.

Nothing transports our taste buds to the American Southwest like salsa. Found on nearly every table in the area, salsas have become more popular than ketchup. Whether sweet, smoky, mild or flaming hot, there are literally hundreds of variations on this staple condiment. Our Corn, Tomato, and Black Bean Salsa is cool and delicious with the added ingredients of cilantro, garlic and onion. A touch of our Red Chile Honey lends a smoky sweetness to this flavorful blend of fresh ingredients.

PREP: 10 minutes + 1 hour chill time
COOK: 2 minutes

INGREDIENTS

  • 1/2 cup fine chopped white onion
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1/4 teaspoon lightly toasted, freshly ground cumin
  • 1 jalapeno chile, minced
  • 2 tablespoons cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Red Chile Honey
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 3/4 cup fresh corn kernels
  • 3 large ripe Roma tomatoes, diced
  • 1 cup cooked black beans

DIRECTIONS

  1. Lightly sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until soft, about 2 minutes, over medium heat; set aside.
  2. Combine chopped cilantro, cumin, jalapeno, vinegar, honey, and salt in a large bowl.
  3. Add corn, tomato, black beans and sautéed vegetables. Stir to combine thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for an hour so flavors can combine.

TIPS: Serve with blue corn chips for a quick snack or aside favorites like Chiles Rellenos or Carne Adovada for a complete meal.

YIELDS: 2 1/2 cups

© 2011 Jadeworks Entertainment. All rights reserved.

Summer Corn Chowder

Summer Corn Chowder

Filled with sweet corn, smoky jalapenos and refreshing cilantro, our Summer Sweet Corn is spicy and delicious.

Light enough for summer, but tasty enough to eat anytime, our Summer Corn Chowder delivers a cornucopia of flavor. Sweet corn, smoky jalapenos, and refreshing cilantro combine to create a succulent soup perfect for lunch or dinner. Serve on its own with crackers, crusty bread, or with your favorite sandwich or salad.

PREP: 10 minutes
COOK: 35 minutes

INGREDIENTS

  • 4 ears of fresh corn or one 10-ounce package frozen whole kernel corn (2 cups)
  • 1 15-ounce can of Mexican corn blend
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 14.5-ounce can baby sweet peas
  • 2 jalapenos, seeded and chopped
  • 1 large onion, chopped (1 cup)
  • 2 teaspoons snipped fresh marjoram or oregano or 3/4 teaspoon dried marjoram or oregano, crushed
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon ground white or black pepper
  • 1 1/2 pound ham steak, trimmed of fat and cubed (about 2 cups)
  • 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
  • 2/3 cup fat-free milk or one 5-ounce can evaporated fat-free milk (2/3 cup)
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Fresh cilantro sprigs (optional)

DIRECTIONS

  1. If using fresh corn, remove husks and discard. Use a vegetable brush to remove silks; rinse corn. Holding each ear at an angle, use a sharp knife to cut down across the tips of the kernels at two-thirds depth; do not scrape. Measure 2 cups fresh corn kernels.
  2. In a blender, mix can of Mexican corn blend and heavy cream. Pulse until creamy and smooth, set aside.
  3. In a large saucepan, bring fresh or frozen corn, broth, peas, onion, jalapenos, 2 teaspoons fresh or 3/4 teaspoon dried marjoram, salt and pepper to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer the chowder, covered, for 5 to 7 minutes or until corn and onion are tender.
  4. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, preferably cast iron, cook ham over medium heat until cooked through, about 5 minutes; remove from heat.
  5. Stir creamed corn, ham, cilantro, milk and Worcestershire sauce into chowder. Simmer for 25 minutes. If you like, garnish each serving with a fresh cilantro sprig.

YIELDS: 6 (1 1/3-cup) main-dish servings

© 2011 Jadeworks Entertainment. All rights reserved.

Chinese Celery Cilantro Salad

Chinese Celery Cilantro Salad

A whole bunch of celery is used to create this quick cooked celery salad. Chopped and tossed with cilantro and a soy sauce dressing, it is a crispy complement to your favorite Asian meal.

While many Asian dishes are prepared with stir fried vegetables, there are some which are not, like two of my favorites, kung pao chicken and cold sesame ginger noodles. When this is the case, serve up this simple salad with your favorite Chinese dinner for added nutrition and refreshing crunch.

PREP: 10 minutes
COOK: 2 minutes

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 bunch of celery, top and bottom removed, stalks separated and cut in half lengthwise
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or white vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • 4 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 dashes Chinese chili oil or hot sauce (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

DIRECTIONS

  1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the celery and blanch for 2 minutes. Remove, submerge in ice water and cool. Celery should be softened, but still crispy. Peel off the fibrous strings. Cut the celery into bite-sized pieces.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together the vinegar, sesame oil, chili oil (if using), sugar, and cilantro (if using). Toss in the celery. Cover and refrigerate to cool before serving.

YIELDS: 4 to 6 servings

© 2011 Jadeworks Entertainment. All rights reserved.