Are you craving a warm, cheesy hug in a bowl? Then look no further! This Caldo de Queso recipe is the perfect comforting dish for a chilly evening or a cozy weekend brunch. This Colombian classic is surprisingly easy to make, bursting with flavor, and incredibly satisfying. It's one of those delicious dishes that's perfect for homemade cooking and elevates even the simplest quick dinner ideas. Get ready to experience the magic of this easy recipe!
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
- 1 cup milk (whole milk recommended for richness)
- 1 ½ cups shredded Queso Paipa (or a similar melting cheese like Colby Jack or Monterey Jack)
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 avocado, diced (for serving)
- Optional: Tortilla chips (for serving)
Instructions:
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Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This step builds a delicious base for your Caldo de Queso.
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Simmer the Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This slow simmering is key for a flavorful broth.
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Add Milk and Cheese: Slowly whisk in the milk, ensuring it's well incorporated into the broth. Gradually add the Queso Paipa, stirring continuously until it’s completely melted and creates a creamy, cheesy soup. Then, stir in the mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth.
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Season and Serve: Season the Caldo de Queso with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir in the chopped cilantro. Serve immediately, garnished with diced avocado and tortilla chips, if desired.
Cooking Tips for the Best Caldo de Queso:
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Cheese Selection: Authentic Caldo de Queso uses Queso Paipa, a Colombian cheese with a unique melt. However, you can easily substitute with other melting cheeses for a delicious adaptation.
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Don't Overcook: Overcooking the soup can cause the cheese to become stringy. Once the cheese is melted and the soup is heated through, remove it from the heat immediately.
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Adjust to Your Taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of cheese to your liking. Some prefer a richer, cheesier soup, while others prefer a lighter version.
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Spice it Up: For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
Variations:
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Creamy Caldo de Queso: For an extra creamy texture, add a splash of heavy cream at the end.
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Vegetable Caldo de Queso: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to make a delicious vegetarian version. You can also add other vegetables like diced carrots or potatoes for added nutrients and flavor.
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Chicken Caldo de Queso: For a heartier soup, add shredded cooked chicken to the soup along with the cilantro.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the cheeses and other ingredients used. However, a typical serving is relatively high in calories and fat due to the cheese, but provides a good source of protein and calcium. For a more precise nutritional breakdown, use an online nutrition calculator with your specific ingredients.
This Caldo de Queso recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser – a delicious and healthy meal perfect for any occasion. Enjoy this simple yet satisfying taste of Colombia!