Ajiaco Colombiano (Colombian Chicken and Potato Soup)

Ingredients

• 3 chicken breast (skin removed; bone-in recommended for more flavor)
• 12 cup water (can be replaced with chicken or vegetable broth)
• 3 ears fresh corn (cut into 2 pieces each)
• salt (to taste)
• pepper (to taste)
• 2 chicken bouillon cubes
• 3 scallions
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 3 tbsp cilantro (chopped)
• 2 cup papa criolla (Andean Potato; often found frozen in Latin markets)
• 3 medium white potatoes (peeled and sliced)
• 3 medium red potatoes (peeled and sliced)
• 0.33 cup guascas (dried or fresh Colombian herb)
• 1 cup heavy cream (for serving; can substitute with crema or sour cream)
• 1 cup capers (for serving)

Steps

1. 1

   In a large pot, place the chicken breasts, corn pieces, chicken bouillon cubes, chopped cilantro, scallions, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.

2. 2

   Add the 12 cups of water and bring the mixture to a boil.

3. 3

   Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and cook for about 30 to 35 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

4. 4

   Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside to cool slightly.

5. 5

   Continue cooking the corn in the pot for about 15 more minutes.

6. 6

   Discard the green scallions from the pot.

7. 7

   Add the sliced red potatoes, sliced white potatoes, and the guascas to the pot. Cook for 15 more minutes.

8. 8

   Uncover the pot and add the papa criolla potatoes. Simmer for an additional 15 minutes, allowing the potatoes to thicken the soup.

9. 9

   Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

10. 10

    Shred the cooked chicken breast and return it to the pot.

11. 11

    Serve the Ajiaco hot, providing the heavy cream and capers in small bowls on the side for guests to add to their own bowls.

Notes

The papa criolla is essential as it is meant to partially dissolve and thicken the soup, giving it a characteristic yellow color and creamy texture. Guascas (Galinsoga parviflora) is the defining herb of this dish; it can be found dried online or in Latin markets. Traditionally served with avocado slices, white rice, or a green salad on the side.

Nutrition per serving

• main dish
• soup
• stew
• Colombian
• chicken
• potatoes
• gluten-free
• traditional