A Nostalgic Family Favorite
Looking for a creamy, hearty, and flavorful soup to cozy up with? This Cream of Almond Chicken Soup is a rich blend of chicken, almond meal, and brown butter, making it the perfect comfort food for any occasion. A cherished family recipe dating back to the early 90s, this soup carries the nostalgia of my childhood and the culinary creativity of the women in my family.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Rich, creamy texture: Thanks to the combination of almond meal, cream, and chicken stock.
• Unique almond flavor: A toasted almond meal roux sets this soup apart.
• Perfect for cozy nights: This warm, comforting soup is a winter must-have.
• Family legacy: It’s a recipe filled with love and memories, passed down through generations.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Cream of Almond Chicken Soup, you’ll need simple pantry staples combined with a few unique touches:
• Butter – Adds richness and enhances the toasty flavor.
• Almond meal – The secret ingredient that gives this soup its nutty depth.
• Chicken stock – Use homemade stock for the best results.
• Chicken breast cubes – Protein-packed and tender when simmered.
• Cream – For a smooth and velvety finish.
• Slivered almonds – Toasted for garnish, adding crunch and flavor.
• Fresh parsley – Brightens the dish as a garnish.
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Toasting the Almond Meal
In a heavy-bottom stock pot, melt 3 tbsp butter until it turns golden brown. Be careful not to burn it! Add 2 tbsp oil and then stir in 3 tbsp almond meal. Toast the almond meal until fragrant and golden brown.
2. Cooking the Chicken
Add 1 cup of chicken breast cubes to the pot and sauté until the chicken changes color. Season with salt and pepper. Add a splash of chicken stock to prevent burning.
3. Making the Roux
Stir in 3 tbsp all-purpose flour and cook for about 2 minutes, until it smells fragrant. Gradually whisk in 1/4 cup cream to avoid lumps.
4. Adding the Stock
Pour in 3 cups chicken stock and mix well. Simmer on low heat for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the soup thickens.
5. Garnishing
In a separate pan, heat 3 tbsp oil and toast 1/4 cup slivered almonds until golden. Chop some fresh parsley. Serve the soup hot, garnished with toasted almonds and parsley.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Cream of Almond Chicken Soup
1. Perfecting the Brown Butter
Brown butter adds a nutty richness to the soup, but it can burn quickly. Watch it carefully as it goes from golden to deep brown.
2. Toast the Almond Meal and Flour Properly
The secret to the toasty flavor is roasting the almond meal and flour thoroughly. Don’t rush this step!
3. Use High-Quality Chicken Stock
Homemade chicken stock infused with ginger, garlic, and black peppercorns adds depth to the soup. Freeze extras for future recipes.
4. Whisk Cream Gradually
To avoid lumps, always whisk the cream into the roux before adding the chicken stock.
A Recipe Steeped in Family History
This recipe holds a special place in my heart. It was created by my aunt in the early 90s, and my family has been raving about it ever since. As a child, I didn’t understand the fuss, but once I tried it as a teenager, I was hooked.
Learning to make this soup was a journey. From failed attempts to perfecting the recipe under my mother’s guidance, it became a symbol of the strong, talented women in my family.
Why This Recipe Works
• Almond Meal Roux: Adds a nutty depth you won’t find in traditional chicken soups.
• Brown Butter Base: Creates layers of flavor that elevate the dish.
• Homemade Chicken Stock: Ensures the soup is flavorful and wholesome.
Pairing and Serving Suggestions
Pair this Cream of Almond Chicken Soup with crusty bread or a light side salad for a complete meal. Its rich flavors also make it a great starter for a special dinner.
Try This Creamy and Nutty Comfort Food Today!
This Cream of Almond Chicken Soup is more than just a dish—it’s a family tradition that’s been perfected over the years. Whether you’re looking for a comforting dinner or a recipe to impress guests, this soup is sure to be a hit.
Don’t forget to share your creations with me by tagging #FlavoredByFatima on Instagram! Subscribe to my blog for more family-inspired recipes and leave a comment below if you try this recipe.
Cream of Almond Chicken Soup
5
servings15
minutes30
minutesA creamy, nutty, and comforting chicken soup made with a brown butter almond meal roux and rich homemade chicken stock.
Ingredients
5 tbsp 5 butter
2 tbsp 2 all purpose flour
6 tbsp 6 almond meal or almond flour
1/2 cup 1/2 heavy cream
4 cups 4 chicken stock (see notes)
1/2 cup 1/2 shredded boiled chicken
1 tsp 1 salt (or to taste)
1 tsp 1 fresh cracked black pepper (to taste)
1/2 tsp 1/2 freshly grated nutmeg
1/4 cup 1/4 toasted sliced almonds for garnish
Handful fresh chopped parsley for garnish
2 tbsp 2 oil
Directions
- In a heavy bottom stock pot, heat butter until slightly brown, to this add 2 tbsp of oil. Now add 6 tbs of almond meal, and 2 tbsp of all purpose flour and cook until fragrant and changes color to a nice golden.
- To this add cream and whisk until smooth and thick. Now add chicken stock, season with salt, black pepper and simmer for 1/2 an hour on low flame until the soup thickens. Add shredded chicken and mix well.
- To serve ladle the soup in a bowl. Season with fresh cracked black pepper, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley and slivered almonds.
- Enjoy!!
Notes
- You may use water in place of chicken stock and season it with 3 tsp of chicken bullion instead.
