Dive into the heart of Mexican comfort food with the delightful El Charro Caldo de Queso, a creamy cheese and potato soup that promises to warm your soul and tantalize your taste buds! This irresistible dish is not just a meal; it's an experience that brings family and friends together around the table. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up this savory delight in under an hour, making it the perfect choice for a cozy weeknight dinner or a festive gathering. Are you ready to discover the secrets to this mouthwatering recipe? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 cup queso fresco, crumbled
- 1/2 cup cream
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash and peel the potatoes, then dice them into small, uniform cubes approximately 1/2 inch in size to ensure even cooking.
- In a large pot, pour the chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
- Carefully add the diced potatoes to the boiling broth, reducing heat to medium and allowing them to simmer until tender, approximately 15-20 minutes.
- While potatoes are cooking, prepare the queso fresco by crumbling it into small, consistent pieces using your hands or a fork.
- Once potatoes are soft and easily pierced with a fork, reduce heat to low and stir in the cream, creating a smooth and creamy texture.
- Season the soup with salt and pepper, tasting and adjusting seasoning as needed.
- Gently fold in the crumbled queso fresco, allowing it to slightly melt but not completely dissolve.
- Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro just before serving.
- Ladle the hot soup into bowls, ensuring an even distribution of potatoes and cheese.
- Serve immediately while hot, optionally accompanied by warm tortillas or crusty bread.
Tips
- Uniform Potato Cuts: For even cooking, ensure your diced potatoes are about 1/2 inch in size. This helps them cook through at the same rate, giving you that perfect tender texture.
- Broth Matters: Use high-quality chicken broth for the best flavor. Homemade broth can elevate your soup to a whole new level, but store-bought works just fine in a pinch!
- Creamy Consistency: When adding the cream, stir gently to create a smooth blend. Avoid boiling after adding the cream to maintain that luscious texture.
- Queso Fresco Melting: Don’t over-stir the queso fresco after adding it to the soup; you want it to melt slightly while still retaining some of its shape for a delightful texture.
- Garnishing: Fresh cilantro adds a burst of flavor and color. Feel free to add a squeeze of lime for an extra zing!
- Serving Suggestions: This soup pairs beautifully with warm tortillas or crusty bread. Consider serving it with a side of avocado or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 35mg
