Hearty Colombian Ajiaco Soup

Warm your soul with Bogotá's iconic potato and chicken soup!

Ajiaco is a traditional and beloved soup from Bogotá, Colombia, known for its unique blend of three potato varieties and the distinct flavor of guascas herb. This hearty chicken and potato soup is incredibly comforting and makes a satisfying meal. It's perfect for a cozy dinner and will transport your taste buds straight to the Andes.

Ingredients

• 2.5 lb whole chicken, cut into pieces (or 6 chicken thighs/breasts)
• 3 large yellow potatoes (e.g., Yukon Gold), peeled and sliced
• 3 large red potatoes, peeled and sliced
• 3 large white potatoes (e.g., Russet), peeled and sliced
• 4 ears of corn, shucked and cut into 2-inch rounds
• 1 large bunch guascas (fresh or 1/4 cup dried), stems removed
• 1 large white onion, roughly chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (for serving)
• 1/4 cup capers (for serving)
• 2 ripe avocados, sliced (for serving)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a large pot, combine chicken, chopped onion, minced garlic, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.
2. Remove chicken from pot, shred, and set aside. Strain broth to remove onion and garlic, then return broth to the pot.
3. Add all three types of sliced potatoes and corn rounds to the broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are very tender and start to break down, thickening the soup.
4. Stir in the fresh or dried guascas and shredded chicken. Simmer for another 5-10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
6. Ladle hot soup into bowls. Serve immediately with a dollop of heavy cream, a sprinkle of capers, and fresh avocado slices on the side.
7. Enjoy this comforting taste of Colombia!

Nutrition

This recipe works out to about 917 calories per serving. For the full breakdown, protein, carbs, and fat included, save it in the Forkful app: nutrition is calculated automatically from the ingredient list.

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