Transform a bag of wontons from Trader Joe's into the best soup yet!

Indulge yourself with a heartwarming bowl of Chicken Cilantro Wontons Soup, a dish that delicately intertwines the simplicity of a clear broth with the zesty punches of coriander, known to many as cilantro. This recipe borrows from the traditional Chinese wonton soup, a comfort food staple served often in the streets of Guangzhou and adopted around the globe by those seeking both solace and sustenance in a single dish. Whether you're looking to lift spirits on a chilly evening or provide a light but fulfilling meal, this soup is sure to satisfy. The star of this particular recipe is a package of Trader Joe's Chicken Cilantro Wontons, simplifying prep without compromising on flavor.

Chicken Cilantro Wonton Soup shines as a standalone meal, but consider pairing it with a crisp cucumber salad dressed with sesame oil and rice vinegar for a refreshing contrast. A side of stir-fried bok choy with a hint of garlic adds a delightful crunch and rounds out the meal with a touch of verdant vigor.

Chicken Cilantro Wonton Soup
Servings: 4

- 1 package (14 ounces) Trader Joe's Chicken Cilantro Mini Wontons
- 6 cups chicken broth, low sodium preferred
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, peeled and finely chopped
- 1 medium carrot, julienned or thinly sliced (optional)
- 2 cups baby spinach leaves
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Salt and white pepper, to taste

1. In a large pot over medium heat, bring the chicken broth to a gentle simmer. Add the soy sauce, sesame oil, and chopped ginger to infuse the broth with flavor.

2. Add the julienned carrots to the simmering broth and cook for approximately 2 to 3 minutes or until they begin to soften.

3. Carefully place the Trader Joe's Chicken Cilantro Wontons into the pot, making sure they are fully submerged. Allow the wontons to cook for about 2 minutes or until they are fully heated and begin to float to the surface.

4. Toss in the baby spinach leaves and green onions, and stir gently, allowing the spinach to wilt slightly, which should take just under a minute.

5. Adjust the seasoning with salt and white pepper to taste. Be mindful of the sodium from the soy sauce when adding extra salt.

6. Serve immediately, ensuring even distribution of wontons and veggies among the serving bowls. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves to amplify the flavor and add a pop of color.

For those who enjoy a bit of heat, a drizzle of chili oil or a few slices of red chili pepper can turn up the warmth in this soup. For an even heartier version, bok choy or napa cabbage can be added along with the carrots. And if you're interested in other toppings, try thinly sliced mushrooms or a light sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. For adventurers who wish to make their own wontons, the ready-made variety in this recipe can be substituted with homemade ones stuffed with a mixture of ground chicken, cilantro, scallions, ginger, and a touch of sesame oil. No matter how you customize, the key to a delightful Chicken Cilantro Wonton Soup is the harmony between the light broth and the well-seasoned, plump wontons. Enjoy this taste of comfort, reimagined through the convenience of Trader Joe's.