Chicken-Almond Soup
A hearty chicken and almond soup with fragrant spices, tender chicken, ground almonds, and rice, perfect for comforting gatherings or family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute chopped onion in melted butter until golden brown.
- Stir in chicken stock and bring to a simmer.
- Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add rice, salt, pepper, and turmeric or saffron.
- Stir and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Add ground almonds, chopped egg yolks, parsley, and cooked chicken.
- Cook for an additional 10 minutes.
- Serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider blending a portion of the soup before adding the almonds. If you're out of blanched almonds, you can substitute ground cashews or walnuts. For a spice twist, try adding a pinch of cumin or coriander. Ensure to sauté the onions until they are deeply golden for richer flavor. This dish is versatile and can be adapted to include seasonal vegetables, making it a great match for Mediterranean recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Chicken-Almond Soup in warm bowls, garnished with extra minced parsley for color. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a light salad, such as a simple green salad or even a Gourmet Chicken Salad for a well-rounded meal. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside Chicken Scarpariello.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You may need to add a splash of chicken stock or water to achieve the desired consistency, as the rice may absorb liquid during storage.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken-Almond Soup contains roughly 980 calories, with 19g protein, 81g carbohydrates, and 66g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (125% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (41% of the Daily Value), and protein (38% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1389mg per serving (60% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use leftover chicken for this soup?
Absolutely! Using leftover cooked chicken not only saves time but also adds great flavor. Just make sure to shred or dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces before adding it to the soup. This is a perfect way to utilize any leftover rotisserie chicken.
Is there a vegetarian version of this soup?
Yes, you can create a vegetarian version by substituting the chicken stock with vegetable stock and omitting the chicken. You could also add more vegetables such as carrots or celery to enhance the flavor and texture. The almonds will still provide a rich, nutty base.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce while the soup simmers. You could also add some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper. Just start with a small amount and adjust according to your heat preference.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).