Puerto Ricans love soup, and this dish with a very similar consistency is one of their favorites. It could be said that the dish is a combination of soup and paella, but what's most interesting is that it is very easy to prepare and really leaves the diners satisfied.
The origins of this dish date back to the 19th century, and although not well defined, it is believed to have connections with Spanish paella and gumbo, a traditional American dish that is a fusion of African, American, and European flavors. In Puerto Rico, by tradition, chicken asopao was present during Christmas parties, where revelers would gather with music, cheerfulness, and songs, visiting the homes of family and friends, who graciously invited them to share drinks and a delicious chicken and rice soup. Although it is a typical Christmas dish, today it is one of the foods that cannot be missing in parties and gatherings.
In Puerto Rico, this dish is also known as chicken soup, a hearty and brothy soup made with chicken thighs, ham chunks, and a sofrito based on onions, peppers, sweet peppers, garlic, and cilantro. Its main difference from other chicken broths is the use of rice, which gives it a special touch.
And after all of the above, we are certain that you won't be able to resist experiencing what it’s like to enjoy a wonderful dish that evokes warmth, rich flavors, and lots of joy in honor of Puerto Rican culinary heritage.
