Cornmeal Soup
A hearty cornmeal soup with tender chicken and savory flavors, perfect for comforting meals and suitable for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil chicken, oleo, chopped celery, chopped onions, salt, and pepper in a large pot.
- Remove the cooked chicken from the stock and let it cool.
- Debone the chicken and set aside.
- Add cream of chicken soup to the stock.
- Shred the deboned chicken and add it back to the pot.
- Sprinkle the cornmeal into the boiling soup a pinch at a time while stirring until the soup thickens.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding garlic or herbs like thyme and bay leaves while boiling the chicken. If you're out of oleo, butter or margarine can serve as effective substitutes. For a thicker soup, gradually increase the cornmeal, adjusting to your desired consistency. This recipe is versatile; you can incorporate vegetables like carrots or peas for added nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the cornmeal soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of pepper for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. This dish is also perfect for family gatherings, making it a comforting choice for all ages. Consider serving it alongside Chicken And Rice Medley for a heartier spread.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so slowly on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the soup thickens too much upon reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cornmeal Soup contains roughly 139 calories, with 3g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1582mg per serving (69% 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 recipe?
Absolutely! Using leftover chicken can save time and enhance the flavor of your soup. Just skip the boiling step and add the chicken directly to the stock after combining with the cream of chicken soup.
Is there a vegetarian version of this soup?
Yes, you can create a vegetarian variant by substituting vegetable broth for the chicken stock and omitting the chicken. Incorporate beans or lentils for protein and texture, making it a hearty, meat-free option.
What can I do if the soup is too thick?
If your soup turns out too thick, simply stir in more chicken broth or water until you reach your desired consistency. This not only adjusts the thickness but can also help enhance the flavor!
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).