One of my family’s favorite soup recipes to make during the fall and winter is a soup I shared back in December 2008. That was my first year of blogging and it seems like so long ago.
The recipe is for a chicken enchilada soup. I recently made the soup again and decided to update the pictures.
I love this recipe. Not only because it tastes great, but because it is so easy to make. It basically calls for cooked chicken, a few cans of things, milk, and cheese. All of which I almost always have on hand.
The recipe though contains cream of chicken soup. Yes, it does. Please don’t hate me. I don’t love cream of whatever soup, but there are a few recipes that I love that contain it. I don’t use it often, but for a few recipes it is so worth it.
I didn’t know there was such a passionate debate about it though. I recently posted about cream soups on my Facebook page and over 100 people commented. The comments ranged from I love it and eat it straight from the can to I won’t touch the stuff have you read the ingredients.I had no idea people had such strong opinions about cream of whatever soup.
The majority of people that commented though are like me. They use it some. Not a lot, but in a few specific recipes, like the soup recipe my family loves.
I would love to hear your thoughts on cream of whatever soup. Please leave a comment and let me know. Do you love it? Hate it? Or are you somewhere in between?
A lot of people have told me that they would love to be able to make recipes with cream soup, but can’t since they are gluten free. Well, several brands now make gluten free versions of cream soup. My favorite is the Pacific Brand Cream of Mushroom and Cream of Chicken soup. I have been able to find it at several stores in my area, but Amazon carries it as well.
Chicken Enchilada Soup Recipe
I have notes in the recipe for how you can make it gluten free.
I use cream of mushroom soup all the time. It’s a pantry staple in my house. We don’t have any specific dietary concerns (except possibly needing to lose a few pounds!) so I feel no guilt using a very handy convenience food. If it was a major part of our diet I might be inclined to find a less processed substitute.
I think people get a little too worked up over certain ingredients these days. If you have an allergy or are sensitive to a certain product then, yes, you should avoid it. But research has shown that avoiding certain things, gluten for example, when it isn’t strictly necessary can actually be detrimental to your health. And, if it wasn’t for genetically modified foods, there would be more people in this world wondering where their next meal was coming from.
I agree 100% with this response. Very well said Sandy, thank you!
I do use cream soups in recipes that call for it. We have never eaten cream soups from the can as is, it is always in part of a recipe with other ingredients. I also buy other processed foods. But, I cook 95% of the time at home, so I think some processed foods here and there are ok vs eating take-out often. As long as processed stuff isn’t the bulk of your diet, then I see no reason for the bad rap it gets. In this season of life with a young one just starting his schooling, I need all the help I can get to get all my work done and feed my family well. It works for us, and if done right keeps us under budget too.
I think both you and Sandy said it well. It is all about balance!
This sounds yummy! I’m like you..I have a few recipes that just wouldn’t be the same without it, so if I used it, I buy an organic brand, OR I’ve even made it myself and it’s turned out great. I sometimes make an all from scratch green bean casserole with homemade cream of mushroom soup that is amazing! But since I don’t use it often I don’t worry about grabbing a can now and then.
This sounds yummy! I’m like you..I have a few recipes that just wouldn’t be the same without it, so if I used it, I buy an organic brand, OR I’ve even made it myself and it’s turned out great. I sometimes make an all from scratch green bean casserole with homemade cream of mushroom soup that is amazing! But since I don’t use it often I don’t worry about grabbing a can now and then.
I have to agree with those who don’t like the canned cream of soups however, there are many homemade versions of Cream of Soups also, that are gluten free and only contain milk, broth, cornstarch or gluten free flours and spices and are very tasty. I am gluten free so I know how difficult it is to find edible items.
The homemade version is a good option, especially for those that need gluten free or deal with food issues. I have made my own many times.