From the Kitchen - Empty Nest

Southwestern Chicken Soup

The weather the last couple of weeks prodded me to make soup.

Today's special, Southwestern Chicken Soup.

I start by rinsing black beans.

These are a good source of fiber.

Next I add some canned diced tomatoes  to my 6 cup crock pot.

Then the beans. The tomato and beans are about 1/2 of a can each. I freeze the other half for another time. You can add the full can of each, and double the remaining ingredients. Just use a larger crockpot.

Next I add the water,

and thenthe flavor: chicken soup base. I love this stuff.

The best kind to buy: go to the Amish grocery store.

Then some more flavor. This is southwest seasoning. It tastes like Taco seasoning.

I'm sharing my recipe for that as well.

Which means you're getting 2 for the price of 1.

Oh boy, oh boy, is this ever going to be good.

I add some frozen corn, dried cilantro, chopped bell peppers, as well.

Then the chicken breast. I use a skinless, boneless breast.

Put the cover on, turn it on, let it cook, and cook and cook.

Oh my, what a savory, flavorful, colorful, tastyful, tummyful soup.

I had to try it with a bread stick, homemade of course.

You know what?

Is it ever good.

Happy Saturday

Southwestern Chicken Soup

1 skinless, boneless chicken breast

1 C canned diced tomatoes with juice (about 1/2 of a can)

2-1/2 C water

4 Tsp chicken soup base

1 C corn

1 Tbsp chopped green or red bell pepper

1 C black beans, rinsed and drained (about 1/2 of a can)

2 Tbsp southwest seasoning

1 Tsp dried cilantro

Combine all ingredients in a 6 cup crockpot. Cook on low 4-6 hours, until chicken is done and can be shredded. Remove chicken, cut or shred into pieces, return to soup. 3 servings

Southwest Seasoning

1 Tbsp chili powder

1 Tbsp paprika

1-1/2 Tsp ground coriander

1-1/2 Tsp reduced sodium salt

1-1/2 Tsp garlic powder

1-1/2 Tsp oregano

1 Tsp ground cumin

1/2 Tsp ground black pepper

 Pinch of crushed red pepper

Pinch of cayenne pepper

Mix together, store in tightly covered container. Use for taco seasoning or in Spanish rice