Type what you have

Ingredients

• ✓ roast chicken
• chicken broth
• water
• vegetable oil
• onion
• carrot
• celery
• thyme

Instructions

1. 1 Bring broth and water to a simmer over medium-high heat in a large soup kettle. Meanwhile, separate chicken meat from skin and bones; reserve meat. Add skin and bones to the simmering broth. Reduce heat to low, partially cover and simmer until bones release their flavor, 20 to 30 minutes.
2. 2 Strain broth through a colander into a large container; reserve broth and discard skin and bones. Return kettle to burner set on medium-high.
3. 3 Add oil, then onions, carrots and celery. Saute until soft, about 8 to 10 minutes. Add chicken, broth and thyme. Bring to a simmer. (Can be refrigerated up to 3 days in advance. Return to a simmer before adding the extras of your choice.)

By USA WEEKEND columnist Pam Anderson

Ingredients

• ✓ roast chicken
• chicken broth
• vegetable oil
• cumin
• oregano
• cayenne pepper
• onion
• green chile
• hominy
• white bean
• garlic
• corn
• sour cream
• cilantro
• scallion
• lime wedge
• hot sauce

Instructions

1. 1 Bring skin and bones, chicken broth and 1 quart of water to boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to low and simmer about 30 minutes. Strain and discard skin and bones.
2. 2 Heat oil over medium-low heat in a soup kettle. Add cumin, oregano and cayenne and cook until spices are fragrant, about 1 minute. Add onion; increase heat to medium; saute until soft, 4 to 5 minutes. Stir in chicken and chiles. Add 4 cups hominy and all but 1 cup of the broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, 25 to 30 minutes.
3. 3 Process remaining 2 cups hominy and 1 cup broth until silky smooth; add to soup. Stir garlic and corn into soup. Simmer for a minute or so longer, then cover and let stand for 5 minutes.
4. 4 Ladle into bowls and top with sour cream, cilantro or scallions. Pass separately the lime wedges and green hot pepper sauce.

By USA WEEKEND columnist Pam Anderson