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Instructions:
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Brown the Meat: Add the ground chicken (or other meat of your choice) to the pot. Break it apart with a spoon and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Add the Spices: Sprinkle in the cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Stir well to coat the meat and onions with the spices, allowing the flavors to bloom for about 1 minute.
- Simmer the Soup: Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice and the chicken broth. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Make It Creamy: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. If you want an even creamier soup, you can also add the shredded cheddar cheese at this point, stirring until it’s melted and incorporated into the soup. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro. For extra flavor and texture, add optional toppings such as avocado slices, a dollop of sour cream, extra shredded cheese, or a squeeze of lime juice.
Toppings and Variations:
One of the best parts of this soup is how easily it can be personalized! Here are a few ideas for toppings or variations:
- Avocado: Adds a creamy texture and healthy fats that fit perfectly into a keto diet.
- Cheese: Shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend can melt beautifully on top.
- Sour Cream: A cool, tangy addition that balances the spiciness of the soup.
- Crispy Bacon: Crumbled bacon on top will bring in a smoky, salty crunch.
- Jalapeños: For those who like a little extra heat, add sliced jalapeños as a topping.
Make It Your Own:
While this recipe is already quite versatile, there are many ways you can modify it to suit your preferences. You can swap the ground meat for shredded chicken, add some low-carb vegetables like zucchini or cauliflower for more fiber, or even blend the soup for a velvety smooth texture.
If you want to make this a more substantial meal, you could pair it with a side of keto-friendly bread or crackers to dip.
Health Benefits:
This creamy low-carb Mexican soup isn’t just delicious—it’s packed with nutrition:
- Protein: The ground meat offers a good source of protein to keep you feeling full and satisfied.
- Healthy Fats: The addition of heavy cream and avocado boosts the fat content, making it perfect for a keto diet.
- Low-Carb: With only a few net carbs per serving, this soup won’t kick you out of ketosis, making it a great option for anyone following a low-carb or keto diet.
Final Thoughts:
Whether you’re enjoying it as a comforting dinner on a chilly evening or looking for a hearty, satisfying lunch, this creamy low-carb Mexican soup hits all the right notes. With its combination of bold flavors, creamy texture, and keto-friendly ingredients, it’s a dish you’ll return to again and again.
Give this comforting, spicy soup a try and see why it’s become a favorite for those on the keto journey!
