Ajiaco colombiano, also known as Colombian chicken soup, is a traditional and beloved dish in Colombia. This hearty and flavorful soup is characterized by its use of three types of potatoes, corn, chicken, and the herb guascas. The result is a creamy, savory, and satisfying soup that is perfect for a chilly day or a special occasion. With its vibrant colors and distinct flavor, ajiaco colombiano is a must-try for anyone looking to explore Colombian cuisine.
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AJIACO (COLOMBIAN CHICKEN, POTATO AND CORN SOUP)
This Colombian soup is served in restaurants throughout Bogota and is generally considered comfort food. It can contain as many as three different kinds of potatoes, but we streamlined this recipe to use two (Yukon gold and purple, though you can substitute red bliss for the purple). The garnishes add brightness and bring the soup to life.
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Categories main-dish
Time 1h35m
Yield 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- In a 5-quart pot, combine the chicken, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and 8 cups water to cover. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer and skim any foam or impurities from the top. Add the onion, garlic, bay leaf, cilantro stems and scallion whites. Simmer, partially covered, until the chicken is tender and releases easily when pierced with a knife, 35 to 40 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a bowl to cool, about 10 minutes.
- Meanwhile make the aji sauce: In a food processor, combine the scallion greens, hot sauce, tomatoes, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 cup of the cilantro leaves and pulse to a coarse sauce. Set aside. (Alternatively, the ingredients can be chopped by hand and stirred to combine.)
- Add the potatoes to the soup along with 1 1/4 teaspoons salt. Cover, bring back to a simmer and simmer another 10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, remove the chicken meat from the bones and shred with your hands or 2 forks (discard the bones and skin). Set aside.
- Add the corn to the soup and cook until the corn and potatoes are tender when pierced with a knife, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the chicken meat back to the soup and return the soup to a simmer. Add salt if needed.
- Divide the soup among 6 bowls and serve with sliced avocado, sour cream, capers, aji sauce and remaining cilantro leaves.
AJIACO (COLOMBIAN CHICKEN SOUP)
Steps:
- Make the soup: Put the chicken in a large (at least 8-quart) stockpot and add 8 cups water. Bring to a boil over high heat and then reduce the heat to a vigorous simmer. Simmer for 10 minutes, frequently skimming off the foam that floats to the surface. Add all the vegetables, the garlic, the cilantro, and the bouillon cubes to the pot, along with the salt and pepper. Stir a few times to distribute the vegetables and submerge as many of the solids as possible. When the broth returns to a gentle boil, partially cover the pot and simmer, stirring once or twice, for 1-1/2 hours. Taste for salt and add more if needed. Using tongs or a slotted spoon, pick out the chicken pieces and put them on a large plate. Stir the soup with a large spoon, breaking up some of the potatoes to thicken the soup slightly. Keep hot if serving soon or let cool and refrigerate. When the chicken is cool enough to handle, pull the meat off the bones and shred it by hand. Discard the bones and tendons, and put the shredded chicken in a serving bowl. Make the aji: In a food processor, pulse all the aji ingredients until they're finely minced. Transfer to a serving bowl. Serve the ajiaco: Put the avocados, sour cream or creme fraiche, capers and cilantro leaves in small bowls and set them on the table along with the bowls of shredded chicken and the aji. Reheat the soup if necessay and ladle it into large soup bowls, putting a quater ear of corn in each bowl. Let your guests add the garnishes and the aji as they like. Make Ahead Tips The soup and the aji can be made a day ahead. If the soup is too thick after it's reheated, thin it with a little water. nutrition information (per serving): Fat (kcal): 46; Fat Calories (g): 440; Saturated Fat (g): 19; Protein (g): 170; Monounsaturated Fat (g): 6; Carbohydrates (g): 26; Polyunsaturated Fat (g): 8; Sodium (mg): 70; Cholesterol (mg): 3; Fiber (g): 1300; From Fine Cooking 60, pp. 34 October 1, 2003
Tips:
- To make your ajiaco more flavorful, use a combination of chicken stock and water. You can also add a few bouillon cubes or a packet of sazón seasoning.
- If you don't have guascas, you can substitute cilantro or parsley.
- To make sure the potatoes cook evenly, cut them into uniform pieces.
- Don't add the avocado until just before serving, as it will brown quickly.
- Serve ajiaco with a side of rice or arepas.
Conclusion:
Ajiaco is a delicious and hearty Colombian soup that is perfect for a cold night. It is made with chicken, potatoes, corn, and guascas, and is typically served with avocado and a side of rice or arepas. This soup is a great way to warm up on a cold day, and it is also a good source of protein and vegetables.
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