Southwestern Grilled Cacti Soup
Submitted by rotti46818
Creamy Southwestern grilled cactus soup with nopalitos, jicama, broccoli, corn, and melted cheese in a roux-thickened broth. A bold, one-of-a-kind bowl.
YIELD
4 servingsPREP
10 minCOOK
25 minREADY
40 minThis soup is not playing it safe, and that’s exactly why you need to try it.
Grilled nopalitos (cactus pads) bring a smoky, slightly tangy flavor you won’t find in any ordinary soup. They get blended with sautéed broccoli, corn, jicama, and onion into a smooth purée, then stirred into a rich, cheesy base made from a butter roux, chicken stock, cream, and melted process cheese.
Tomatoes with chiles add heat. Cilantro adds brightness. A dollop of sour cream on top brings it all together.
Chef Tips
- Grill the nopalitos until they have good char marks. The smokiness is what makes this soup stand apart.
- Peel and dice the jicama small so it blends smoothly into the purée.
- Purée the vegetable mixture until completely smooth for the silkiest texture. A blender works better than a food processor here.
- Garnish each bowl with extra nopalito strips for a visual cue that tells guests this isn’t your average cheese soup.
Ingredients
Directions
Melt 1 stick (8 tablespoons) butter in large, heavy saucepan over medium heat.
Whisk in flour gradually and cook the roux 2 to 3 minutes until smooth and thickened.
Gradually whisk in 3 cups hot chicken stock, milk and cream, stirring constantly.
Add cheese, stirring until completely melted, then stir in tomatoes with green chilies.
Reduce heat to low and simmer while preparing following mixture: In another saucepan, over high heat, melt remaining 4 tablespoon butter and sauté broccoli, onion, corn kernels and jicama 3 minutes.
Add nopalitos and simmer 1 more minute.
Turn off heat and add remaining chicken stock.
Transfer to food processor or blender and purée until smooth.
Blend purée into soup mixture and stir in chopped cilantro.
Garnish each serving with nopalitos, a dollop of sour cream and cilantro.
Comments
The recipe title intrigued me ... but upon reading the ingredient list and directions, the directions call for nopalitos but there are none in the ingredient list.
Thanks for your comment, just updated the recipe, now it is completed, enjoy!