1 ½tablespoonspepper sauceTabasco or Frank's hot sauce
½bunch cilantrowashed and finely chopped
To Serve
2 ½cups heavy creamcan use up to 4 cups but I only use 2 1/2 cups of heavy cream, and like it better that way!)
1lbchicken breastgrilled and diced
Fried crispy tortilla stripsfor garnish (If you're too lazy, you can buy them, but it's better to make them fresh)
Jack cheeseshredded (optional)
Instructions
For the roux
Make a roux by heating melted butter with flour and whisking over medium-high heat for 5 minutes. Do not brown this mixture. (You may have to adjust the heat!) It should be a blond color. Reserve.
For the soup base
Heat oil in a large pot or dutch oven, add onions, celery, carrots, poblanos and garlic. Saute until onions become translucent and carrots begin to soften.
Add thyme, pepper, and cumin, stir well. Add chicken stock. Bring to a boil, reduce to simmer and cook 20 minutes or until vegetables are soft.
Whisk the roux until smooth again. Begin adding the roux and whisk in each bit to incorporate. Be careful not to form lumps!
Continue to cook over high heat for 5 minutes to remove the flour taste. Remove from the heat and add Tabasco and cilantro. Add cream and diced chicken. Heat through. (Don't allow to boil or the chicken will not be tender!)
To serve
Ladle soup into bowls, top with crisp tortilla strips and jack cheese, if desired.