Description
Colombian Ajiaco is a traditional hearty chicken and potato soup infused with Andean corn and the unique herb guascas, bringing authentic Colombian flavors to your table. This comforting gluten-free one-pot meal combines three types of potatoes, tender shredded chicken, and fresh herbs, served with classic sides like rice, avocado, capers, and optional heavy cream for richness.
Ingredients
Scale
Soup Ingredients
- 2 skinless boneless chicken breasts
- 2 whole corn on the cob ears (preferably Andean corn)
- 2 cups papas criollas (or fingerling or baby potatoes)
- 2 white potatoes, peeled and sliced
- 2 red potatoes, peeled and sliced
- 1/4 cup dried guascas
- 2 scallions, sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, finely diced (plus more for serving)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Serving Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 cup heavy cream (optional)
- 1/2 cup capers
- 2 avocados
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken Broth: In a large pot, combine the chicken breasts with 10 cups of water. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer for 30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
- Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the pot and set them aside to cool. Once cooled, shred the chicken into thin strips using your hands or forks.
- Cook the Soup: To the pot with the chicken broth, add the whole corn cobs, the three varieties of potatoes (papas criollas, white potatoes, and red potatoes), dried guascas, scallions, minced garlic, and chopped cilantro. Simmer the soup over medium heat for about 30 minutes, or until some of the potatoes have dissolved, naturally thickening the broth. If the soup isn’t thick enough, continue cooking until desired consistency is reached.
- Finish the Soup: Return the shredded chicken to the pot, stirring to combine and warm through. Season the soup generously with salt and pepper according to your taste.
- Serve: Ladle the ajiaco into bowls and serve hot. Accompany each serving with cooked rice, a generous spoonful of capers, slices of fresh avocado, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, and optionally, a drizzle of heavy cream to enrich the flavor.
Notes
- Ajiaco is a traditional Colombian soup featuring chicken, three types of potatoes, corn, and the distinctive herb guascas.
- This recipe is a hearty, filling, and naturally gluten-free one-pot meal perfect for family gatherings.
- Serving the soup with avocado, rice, capers, and heavy cream adds layers of flavor and texture for an authentic Colombian experience.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 492 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 483 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 53 g
- Fiber: 10 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
