Sopa de pollo y alubias blancas

Ingredientes

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (30 ml )
• 1 small yellow onion (finely diced (about 5 oz / 140 grams))
• 1 medium carrot (diced (about 3 oz / 85 grams))
• 1 celery stalk (diced (about 2 oz / 55 grams))
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste (15 grams)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or chicken breast (around 16 oz / 454 grams)
• 2 cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed (15 oz / 425 grams)
• 5 cups chicken broth (40 fl oz / 1.2 liters)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (15 ml )
• 2 tablespoons cream, optional (30 ml )
• Extra Salt and black pepper (to taste)
• 2 cups chopped kale or spinach (60 grams)
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan, optional, plus more for serving (35 grams)
• Fresh parsley or thyme (for garnish)
• Olive oil (for drizzling)

Preparación

1. 1

   Add the onion, carrot, celery, and half a teaspoon of salt in a pot: Heat the olive oil in a heavy pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrot, celery, and half a teaspoon of salt, and cook for about 8 minutes, until softened and slightly golden. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.

2. 2

   Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, until it darkens from bright red to a deeper, brick-red tone.

3. 3

   Add the thyme, oregano, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, and bay leaf. Toast for 30 seconds, until fragrant.

4. 4

   Add the chicken, beans, and broth. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 20–25 minutes, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.

5. 5

   Remove the chicken and shred and blend 1 cup of the beans and broth: Remove the chicken and shred it with two forks. Blend 1 cup of the beans and broth until smooth, then return it to the pot along with the shredded chicken.

6. 6

   Stir in the lemon juice. Then stir in cream, if using.

7. 7

   Season with extra salt and pepper; taste as you go. Stir in the chopped kale and simmer for 3 minutes, until wilted.

8. 8

   Remove the bay leaf and ladle into bowls: Remove the bay leaf. Ladle into bowls and finish with grated Parmesan, if using.