Saturday, February 6, 2010

A Little Warmth from Chicken Fiesta Soup

How are the preparations going for your Healthier Super Bowl Party? As promised, here's a wonderful soup recipe that can be made either on top of the stove or in a slow cooker. This one would be a great addition to your Super Bowl Sunday party!

It's fun to let friends "decorate" their own bowls. Try serving with small bowls of chopped cilantro or parsley, light sour cream, light shredded cheddar cheese, finely sliced green onions, and a bottle of Frank's Hot Sauce for those guests fond of more "fire-y" fare!

Chicken Fiesta Soup

In large pot, saute on medium high until onions are translucent:
  • 1 Tbsp. olive oil
  • 1 large onion, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 2 cloves garlic, chopped
Add and cook 5-7 minutes:
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cubed
Place into slow cooker, if desired, at this point. Into crock or pot, add:
  • 1 quart chicken broth (low sodium, preferred)
  • 1-15 1/2 oz. can petite diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup salsa
  • 1 1/2 tsp. ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp. ground pepper
  • 1/2 tsp. salt, only if desired
  • 1-15 1/2 oz. can black beans, drained*
  • 1-15 1/2 oz. can white cannellini beans, drained*
  • 1 1/2 cups frozen corn
  • For more fire power: add 1 small can green chilies
Cook on low in slow cooker for 8 hours, or on top of the stove on low for at least 1 hour. It's really OK to eat before that, but the flavors get richer the longer it simmers, and the beans will thicken up the soup the longer it cooks. It will thicken up better on top of the stove than in the slow cooker.

*Any combination of beans would be great...you decide! I love the combination of 2 beans in this dish: 2 colors and 2 slightly different textures.

Serving a soup like this provides a heartier menu option, smells great, and really is a super (souper?) filler-upper for those of us who would like to stay a bit in control of our food!

A few things to remember for our partying crew:
  • Know your game plan before the game!
  • Have a snack before you go, never go to a food-fest on an empty tummy!
  • Fill half your plate with fruits and veggies first, if they are offered! This minimizes space for less healthy food.
  • Bring something to the party that is healthier---check yesterday's post or make some of Chicken Fiesta Soup!
  • Hold one low-cal beverage in your hand at all times to minimize the possibility of the "munchy" attack. If the score is tied and the game is getting really tense and you find yourself edging toward the chip bowl, grab a second beverage. It's really hard to dive into the chips holding 2 drinks. I am talking about a bottle of water and maybe a lite beer or diet soda here. Not 2 beers!
  • Sit away from the food bowls, if possible.
  • Try to have a non-alcoholic calorie free drink after each alcoholic drink. This will save you lots of calories and help keep your head more focused on the game.
It looks like there are more Saints fans in my family than Colts. I would love to see the Saints win simply because they have never won before...but truth be told, I haven't been following the season much at all. Even so...

We'll kick off with some Chicken Fiesta Soup!

By the way...for those of you who have been having trouble posting a comment, I'm so sorry about that. I adjusted a couple of settings, so please try again!

4 comments:

  1. These ideas will help me so much tomorrow night at my super bowl party. These recipes are genius I love trying all of the yummy, healthy dishes that you post. I cannot wait until the next addition to your blog, you are a health genius and you make all of this stuff interesting. Thanks so much for inspiring me.

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  2. I like the two-fisted drinker idea. Don't eat at all!

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  3. Love the soup. Made it once already, and will definitely make it again. Simple.

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  4. Oops! As I was eating leftover Chicken Fiesta Soup tonight, I realized that I forgot to write corn in the recipe! So, I just fixed the recipe..I'm sure it was fine without it, but it will be better with it :)

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