Monthly Recipe Challenge

Tips, Serving Ideas and Substitutions

Quick Tips

• Don’t drain the cans. The liquid from the beans, tomatoes, corn and black beans is important to the flavor and consistency of the soup, so add everything straight from the can as directed.
• Blend the cannellini beans until completely smooth. Puréeing two cans of cannellini beans with their liquid creates the thick and creamy base of the soup without adding any cream.
• Save time with rotisserie chicken. A store-bought rotisserie chicken makes this soup so quick and easy to get on the table. Remove the meat and shred it while the onion and garlic are sautéing.
• Adjust the seasoning before serving. Once the soup is hot and you’ve added the fresh lime juice, give it a taste and add more salt if needed.
• Make it ahead. This soup reheats beautifully, so you can make it ahead for an easy lunch or dinner. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.

Serving Ideas

• Load it up with toppings. Tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips add the perfect crunch, and shredded cheese, diced avocado, fresh cilantro, sour cream and lime wedges would all be delicious additions.
• Serve it for game day. Keep a big pot of soup warm and set out plenty of toppings so everyone can build their own bowl while watching the game.
• Make it for Halloween night. Serve a warm and hearty bowl before heading out to trick-or-treat, or have it ready to enjoy when everyone gets home.
• Take it to someone who could use a meal. This hearty soup travels and reheats well. Take it with tortilla strips, shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, guacamole and avocado so they can add their favorite toppings.

Substitutions

• Swap the cannellini beans. Great Northern beans have a similarly mild flavor and creamy texture and can be used in place of the cannellini beans.
• Use cooked chicken. Any cooked, shredded or chopped chicken will work in place of the rotisserie chicken. You can also use just the white meat from a rotisserie chicken if you prefer.
• Use frozen corn. Frozen corn can be used in place of the canned whole kernel corn, but you may need to add a little extra liquid to get the soup to your desired consistency.
• Swap the black beans. Pinto beans are an easy substitute for the black beans and will still make the soup hearty and satisfying.
• Adjust the heat. Use mild diced tomatoes with green chilies to keep the soup family-friendly, or choose a hotter variety if your family likes more heat.