POBLANO CHICKEN SOUP RECIPES

Steps:

• Season chicken thighs liberally with salt and black pepper.
• Combine water, tomatoes, poblano pepper, and onion in a multi-functional pressure cooker (such as Instant Pot®). Add chicken. Close and lock the lid. Choose Meat setting and set the timer for 17 minutes. Allow 10 to 15 minutes for pressure to build.
• Release pressure using the natural-release method according to manufacturer's instructions for 5 minutes. Release remaining pressure carefully using the quick-release method according to manufacturer's instructions, about 5 minutes. Unlock and remove the lid.
• Remove chicken from the pot and shred. Add cream cheese to the soup in the pot and stir until mixed well. Return shredded chicken to the pot and mix well.

Steps:

• Rinse the poblanos and roast them in the oven at 400F. Give them a flip after 15 minutes. They'll be mostly roasted in another 10-15 minutes, so 25-30 minutes total roasting time in the oven.
• Add 3 tablespoons butter to a saucepan on medium heat.  Roughly chop an onion and add it to the saucepan, cooking for 5-7 minutes or until softened.  Mince 4 garlic cloves and add to the onion, cooking for a minute or so.
• Add 3 tablespoons flour to the onion mixture and combine well.  Add 4 cups of stock along with 2 teaspoons Mexican oregano (optional), a pinch of cumin (optional), 1/2 teaspoon salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Stir well.  Simmer for 7-8 minutes.
• Once the poblano peppers have cooled a bit, pull off as much skin as you can but don't worry about getting rid of all of it. Then de-stem and de-seed the poblanos. Roughly chop the poblano pieces and add them to the saucepan. 
• Cook until everything is at a uniform temp and then combine the mixture in a blender. Be sure to use caution when blending hot liquids -- I usually just hold a paper towel over any openings just in case you get a geyser.
• Return mixture to the saucepan and simmer for 5-10 minutes. Salt to taste. I added another 1/4 teaspoon of salt but keep in mind the salt level will depend on which stock you use.
• Serve immediately but don't forget to garnish! I used Crema, finely chopped cilantro stems, freshly ground pepper, and a couple dashes of Valentina hot sauce.
• The acidity of the hot sauce pairs well with the poblanos so feel free to re-garnish once you make your way through the top layer. Other options for acidity: lemon/lime juice or vinegars.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.