Creamy Cilantro and Almond Soup

Creamy Cilantro and Almond Soup
Creamy Cilantro and Almond Soup
Juana Vazquez-Gomez of Redondo Beach, California, writes: "Growing up in Cuernavaca, just outside Mexico City, I remember my grandmother cooking elaborate Mexican meals every day. My mother continued that tradition, but not in such an all-consuming manner. For her it was a great joy to plan a menu and then invite people to help with the preparation. The women in my life taught me the beauty of a good meal. I still use many of their recipes today, but unlike my grandmother I don't spend an entire day in the kitchen. Fortunately, my husband and kids like to cook, so I've found a balance between my grandmother's time-intensive recipes and my mother's practicality."
  • Preparing Time: -
  • Total Time: -
  • Served Person: Makes 4 to 6 servings
Mexican Soup/Stew Blender Herb Nut Low Carb Quick & Easy Lunch Cream Cheese Almond Spring Cilantro Parsley Simmer Bon Appétit California Pescatarian Wheat/Gluten-Free Peanut Free Soy Free No Sugar Added Kosher
  • Carbohydrate 8 g(3%)
  • Cholesterol 31 mg(10%)
  • Fat 16 g(25%)
  • Fiber 2 g(9%)
  • Protein 10 g(19%)
  • Saturated Fat 6 g(32%)
  • Sodium 198 mg(8%)
  • Calories 201

Creamy Cilantro and Almond Soup: A Taste of Home

As a busy working mom, time in the kitchen is a precious commodity. I don't have the luxury of spending all day crafting elaborate meals like my grandmother did, but I still cherish the tradition of sharing delicious food with my family. This Creamy Cilantro and Almond Soup is a perfect example of how I balance my love for flavorful Mexican cuisine with the realities of a modern life. It's a recipe that holds a special place in my heart, a reminder of the strong women who taught me the art of cooking and the joy of gathering around a table.

This soup is a beautiful blend of vibrant flavors and textures. The creamy base, achieved with a simple combination of cream cheese and almonds, provides a luxurious backdrop to the fresh, herbaceous notes of cilantro and parsley. The addition of marjoram adds a subtle earthiness that perfectly complements the other ingredients. It's a recipe that's quick to prepare, yet bursting with flavor. I often make a large batch on the weekend and enjoy it throughout the week for a quick and satisfying lunch or dinner. The kids love it too, which is always a bonus!

But beyond its ease and deliciousness, this soup represents something more to me. It's a testament to the evolution of my culinary skills and the balance I’ve achieved between tradition and practicality. It's a way for me to connect with my heritage, to honor the women who came before me, and to share my love of food with the people I cherish most. It's a soup that is simple, yet complex, comforting yet exciting. It’s a soup that reminds me of home, of family, and of the delicious legacy of Mexican cooking.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. You can adjust the consistency to your liking, adding more broth for a thinner soup or leaving it slightly thicker for a heartier experience. Feel free to experiment with other herbs and spices to create your own unique variation. A dash of lime juice at the end adds a bright, refreshing touch. Serve it with crusty bread for dipping, or alongside a simple salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

More than just a recipe, this soup is a story. It's a story of family, tradition, and the evolution of a busy woman's approach to cooking. It's a story of finding joy in the kitchen, even when time is limited. It’s a story about preserving heritage while embracing modern life, a story that I hope will inspire you to create your own beautiful and delicious memories around the table. So, gather your ingredients, put on some music, and let the magic of this simple yet extraordinary soup transport you to a place of warmth, comfort, and delicious flavor.

The vibrant green color alone is enough to brighten any day, and the creamy texture is utterly irresistible. I often find myself savoring each spoonful, letting the flavors dance on my tongue. This soup isn’t just a meal; it's an experience. It’s a reminder to slow down, savor the moment, and appreciate the simple pleasures in life.

Enjoy this journey of flavors and memories. I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your kitchen as it does to mine.

Step-by-step

    • Combine 2 cups broth, 2 cups cilantro, parsley, cream cheese, and almonds in blender; blend until smooth.
    • Heat 4 1/2 cups broth in large saucepan.
    • Whisk in herb-cheese mixture and marjoram.
    • Simmer 25 minutes to blend flavors.
    • Transfer 1 cup soup and remaining 2 cups cilantro to blender; puree until smooth.
    • Add puree to soup in pan.
    • Season with salt and pepper.
    • Bring soup to simmer, thinning with more broth if desired.