Description
Colombian chicken ajiaco delivers a hearty symphony of potatoes, corn, and tender chicken swimming in a rich, aromatic broth. Local herbs and traditional garnishes create a comforting journey through Colombia’s culinary landscape, inviting you to savor each spoonful of this classic regional treasure.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 4 chicken breasts
Starches:
- 6 cups (1.4 liters) of 3 different types of potatoes, sliced
- 2 corn cobs, cut into pieces
Aromatics and Seasonings:
- ¼ cup (60 milliliters) guascas (dried herb)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 large onion, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Liquids and Garnishes:
- 8 cups (1.9 liters) chicken broth
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
- ½ cup (120 milliliters) capers
Garnish:
- Avocado
- Cilantro
Instructions
- Place whole chicken breasts, three varieties of potatoes (sabaneras, pastusas, and tocarreñas), fresh corn on the cob, minced garlic, diced white onion, and rich chicken broth into a generously sized cooking vessel.
- Elevate heat to create a vigorous boil, then immediately reduce temperature to a gentle, steady simmer for approximately 30 to 35 minutes, ensuring chicken is thoroughly cooked and potatoes reach a soft, yielding consistency.
- Carefully extract chicken breasts from the simmering liquid, using two forks to meticulously shred the meat into delicate, tender strands.
- Return shredded chicken to the pot, introducing traditional guascas herb, which imparts a distinctive Colombian flavor profile, and continue simmering for an additional 10 to 12 minutes.
- Incorporate heavy cream (35% milkfat) and briny, tangy capers, then season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the overall taste balance.
- Ladle the rich, aromatic soup into warm ceramic bowls, artfully garnishing with creamy avocado slices and fresh, vibrant cilantro leaves.
- Serve immediately, allowing diners to experience the authentic, comforting essence of traditional Colombian cuisine.
Notes
- Traditional Colombian comfort soup packed with rich, hearty flavors from multiple potato varieties.
- Guascas herb is crucial for authentic taste and can be found in Latin American grocery stores or online.
- Shredding chicken ensures tender, evenly distributed meat throughout the delicious broth.
- Heavy cream adds luxurious smoothness while capers provide a tangy, unexpected flavor contrast.
- Best served immediately with fresh avocado and cilantro for maximum taste and texture experience.
- Can be prepared ahead and reheated, with flavors developing more depth over time.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Colombian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 390 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg