Puebla Hot Pot Broth with Avocado Crema
Ingredients
1 tablespoon Chilli Flakes
2 teaspoons Smoked Paprika
2 teaspoons Ground Cumin
2 teaspoons Oregano
1/2 teaspoon Sea Salt
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
6 garlic cloves, finely chopped
2 litres (3 1/2 pints) chicken stock
2x400 grams tinned chopped tomatoes
1 lime, juiced
Add-Ins:
2 fresh corn on the cob, husk removed and cut into 5 thick slices
450 grams boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into very thin strips
1 chayote, peeled and cut into matchsticks
Avocado Crema:
1/2 avocado, peeled, pitted, and coarsely chopped
200 millilitres soured cream
1 lime, juiced
1/4 teaspoon Sea Salt
1/4 teaspoon Garlic Granules
Garnishes:
Cotija cheese or queso fresco, crumbled
Avocado, chopped
Fresh coriander, chopped
Crunchy tortilla strips or tortilla chips
Flour or corn tortillas, for dunking
- A chayote (or mirliton) is a pear-shaped squash with a texture and taste somewhere between a cucumber and a zucchini. Find it in the specialty section of the produce aisle or in Latin markets. If unavailable, substitute courgette.
- How to preheat a slow cooker and serve at the table: Preheat the slow cooker by filling the insert halfway with boiling water. Cover and heat 45 minutes on HIGH. Meanwhile, prepare broth as directed. Just before serving, empty slow cooker insert of the hot water and carefully pour the hot broth into slow cooker and leave it set on HIGH.
COOKING INSTRUCTIONS
- 1 For the broth, mix the seasonings in a small bowl and reserve until needed. Heat the oil in a large pan or stockpot on a medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the chicken stock, tomatoes and ½ of the seasoning mixture and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes. Then during the last 10 minutes of cooking add the corn pieces. After 10 minutes remove the corn to a plate and reserve. Stir the lime juice into the broth.
- 2 For the Avocado Crema, place all ingredients in a food processor. Process on high speed until smooth. Transfer to a bowl and cover, then refrigerate until ready to serve.
- 3 Coat the chicken strips with the remaining seasoning mixture and place on a plate. Place the chayote on a separate plate. Then place all the other garnishes in bowls.
- 4 To serve, pour the broth into a hot pot or preheated slow cooker. Allow your guests to cook the chicken and chayote in broth as desired. (Chicken should be cooked for about 4-5 minutes or until cooked through, stirring occasionally.)
- 5 Let each guest personalize their own bowl. Ladle some of the broth with the cooked chicken and vegetables into individual bowls. Top with garnishes and Avocado Crema as desired.