My fellow food enthusiasts, I am excited to share with you my latest culinary discovery – the Colombian Ajiaco recipe. This hearty soup is a beloved staple in the homes of many Colombians, and it’s no surprise why. The combination of tender chicken breasts, different kinds of potatoes, and sweet corn creates a symphony of flavors that will leave you craving for more.

But what is Ajiaco, you ask? Let me tell you. Ajiaco (pronounced Ah-hee-ya-co) is a traditional soup that originated in Colombia’s capital city, Bogota. It’s commonly served as comfort food during cold weather or for special occasions such as family gatherings and celebrations.

Now, you might be thinking “Well, I’m not Colombian or Latin American so this soup might not be for me,” but let me stop you right there. Ajiaco’s deliciousness transcends nationalities and borders. Its unique blend of flavors makes it a favorite among people from all over the world.

So buckle up and join me on this culinary adventure as we explore the ingredients, preparation steps, serving suggestions and tips to achieve the perfect Ajiaco soup. Are you ready to taste the “encanto” (enchantment) of this Spanish-inspired dish? Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Imagine savoring a warm, hearty soup on a chilly night that just fills you up with love and comfort. That’s what you’ll experience with this Colombian Ajiaco recipe. The soup is delightful, full of flavors, and different kinds of potatoes and corn that will leave you wanting more.

What makes this soup stand out is its simplicity. You don’t need any fancy ingredients or cooking techniques to make it. Moreover, it packs the perfect blend of seasonings like garlic and cilantro that will tantalize your taste buds in every bite.

This recipe is a time-honored classic from our Colombian cuisine, and it’s loved by all who try it. The soup is loaded with tender chicken breasts, three types of potatoes, and delicious corn on the cob, simmered in chicken stock with onions and tomatoes for a scrumptious finish.

So, whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight meal or a special dish to serve at a gathering, this Colombian Ajiaco recipe won’t disappoint. It’s easy to prepare, nutritious, and packed with flavors that will transport your senses to the streets of Colombia’s capital – Bogota- where this magnificent dish took its origin.

There’s something magical about food that’s infused with culture; it connects us to people, places, and incredible stories. And that’s what you’ll get from this Colombian Ajiaco recipe – not just a hearty soup but also stories of a country steeped in rich traditions.

Try this recipe today and I promise you won’t regret it!

Ingredient List

A steaming bowl of ajiaco, the ultimate comfort food to warm up your soul

Let’s dive into the ingredient list of this Colombian ajiaco recipe. The preparation requires some ingredients that might be unusual for some readers, such as galinsoga parviflora, a herb commonly used in Latin cuisine. Here are the main ingredients:

For the soup:

3 chicken breasts bone-in and skin-on
10 garlic cloves, smashed
1 white onion
3 pounds of different kinds of potatoes (small yellow potatoes and papas criollas if available)
2 ears of fresh corn, cut into thirds
8 cups of water or chicken stock
Salt to taste

For the toppings:

Avocado, sliced
Capers
Cream or sour cream
Chopped cilantro
Scallions, thinly sliced
Aji sauce or hot sauce

You can find most of these ingredients at your local grocery store, but if you can’t find some of them you may substitute with other options. I will discuss substitutions and variations in the next section.

The Recipe How-To

The perfect balance of flavors and textures in one hearty soup

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make this delicious Ajiaco soup.

Ingredients:

3 chicken breasts
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 onions, sliced
2 tomatoes, chopped
6 cups of water or chicken stock
1 pound of potatoes (a combination of different kinds is ideal), peeled and cubed
1 cup of corn kernels
Salt to taste

Instructions:

In a large pot over medium-high heat, combine chicken breasts with water or chicken stock. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer until the chicken is cooked through, about 20 minutes.
Remove the chicken from pot and let rest until cool enough to handle. Shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.
In the same pot, add garlic, onions and tomatoes over medium-high heat until softened, stirring constantly so as not to burn them.
Add the meat back to the pot along with potatoes and corn kernels. Combine everything together and bring to a boil.
Reduce heat to low and cover the pot for about an hour until potatoes are tender and the soup has thickened.
Season with salt according to your preference.
Ladle hot Ajiaco soup into bowls and garnish with cilantro, avocado slices, capers and cream on top before serving.

This hearty Ajiaco soup which follows an easy-to-follow recipe will bring you [encanto] fascination. Perfect for chilly weather!

Substitutions and Variations

Sweet corn, creamy potatoes, tender chicken... all in one delicious dish — Sweet corn, creamy potatoes, tender chicken… all in one delicious dish

If you’re looking to switch things up or try something new, there are plenty of variations and substitutions to this classic Colombian ajiaco recipe. Here are a few ideas:

– Vegetarian ajiaco: Swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and omit the chicken breasts. You can also tofu or seitan as a protein replacement.

– Cuban-style ajiaco: This version includes yucca and plantains in addition to the potatoes and corn. It’s also typically served with rice and black beans on the side.

– Bogotá-style ajiaco: In the Colombian capital, they make their ajiaco with three types of potatoes: papas criollas, sabaneras, and pastusas. If you can find these varieties, use them in place of regular potatoes for an authentic Bogotá-style ajiaco.

– Ajiaco con pollo: This is simply the Spanish translation of “ajiaco with chicken”. Use this term when searching for recipes online or watching cooking videos on YouTube.

– Galinsoga parviflora: This is a type of herb that grows in Colombia and is commonly used in traditional ajiaco recipes. If you can’t find it at your local market, try substituting it with cilantro or parsley.

These substitution ideas are just the start of what you can do with this hearty soup recipe. Get creative and experiment with different kinds of potatoes, herbs, or spices to make this dish your own.

Serving and Pairing

Topped with capers, cream, and avocado, ajiaco is a true feast for the senses

Once your Colombian Ajiaco is simmering on the stove and the aroma starts to fill the kitchen, you will be eager to serve it up and dig in. This hearty soup is best served hot, straight from the pot, but it is also a dish that you can make ahead of time and save for later.

When it comes to pairing this dish, there are a variety of accompaniments to choose from. I would recommend serving it with slices of ripe avocado, chopped cilantro, and salty capers. You could also add a dollop of sour cream or crumbled cheese for some added richness.

As for drinks, a chilled beer or a glass of white wine would both work well with this savory soup. If you prefer non-alcoholic beverages try tropical fruit juices such as mango or passion fruit since they complement the flavors of Ajiaco perfectly.

Ultimately, Colombian Ajiaco is a versatile dish that can be served as a standalone meal or as an appetizer at any dinner party or family gathering. Its robust flavors pair well with many different dishes and drinks making it an ideal choice for any occasion.

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

With every spoonful, discover a new combination of flavors and aromas

Now that you’ve made this delicious Colombian Ajiaco soup, it’s important to know the best way to store and reheat it. This soup is perfect for making ahead of time and storing in the fridge or freezer for later use.

When storing leftover ajiaco soup in the fridge, transfer it to an airtight container and let it cool completely before sealing. This will help prevent any bacteria from growing in the soup while it’s stored. Once stored, your ajiaco will last in the fridge for up to four days.

If you want to store your ajiaco soup for longer periods, freezing is the way to go. Simply ladle your soup into freezer-safe containers and make sure to leave at least one inch of headspace before sealing. The soup can be frozen for up to three months without affecting its taste or texture.

When reheating the ajiaco soup, you can use either a stovetop or microwave. If using the stovetop method, place the desired amount of frozen soup in a pot and heat slowly over medium heat until fully thawed, stirring occasionally. Then increase heat to medium-high and bring to a simmer until hot throughout.

If using a microwave, transfer the soup into a microwave-safe bowl and heat on high. It’s important to defrost your soup first if it was frozen by using the defrost setting on your microwave.

A plate of freshly cooked Colombian Ajiaco soup is an encanto (delight) that should be savored at its best state. With these make-ahead, storing, and reheating tips, you can now have this hearty soup anytime you desire with fantastic results!

Tips for Perfect Results

Ajiaco: a traditional Colombian dish that will transport you to the Andes mountains

When making ajiaco, it’s important to keep in mind the small things that can make a big difference in the final dish. As someone who has enjoyed and made this soup for years, I wanted to share with you some tips and tricks to help you achieve perfect results every time.

1. Don’t skimp on the broth: The base of ajiaco is the broth, which is why I highly recommend using a good quality chicken stock. This will give your soup a rich, flavorful base that will develop more complexity as you add in the other ingredients.

2. Let the soup cook low and slow: Ajiaco is a hearty soup that requires some time to cook properly. Make sure to let it cook on low heat for at least an hour or two to really allow all the flavors come together and meld into perfection.

3. Use fresh herbs: The garlic and cilantro in this recipe are there for a reason – they add brightness and freshness to the dish that no dried herb can compete with. Make sure to use only fresh herbs for maximum flavor impact.

4. Add corn after the potatoes: When adding in the corn, be sure to do it after the potatoes have had some time to cook through. This ensures that your corn doesn’t get mushy and still has some crunch left to it, which adds great texture overall.

5. Top with avocado and sour cream: Ajiaco is best enjoyed with some toppings added on top, such as sliced avocado or dollop of sour cream. These creamy accompaniments help balance out the soup’s acidity and add richness to every spoonful.

By following these tips, you can create an outstanding ajiaco that will warm you from head-to-toe!

FAQ

Before we conclude this article, I want to spend some time answering some common questions that may arise while preparing the Colombian Ajiaco Soup. These frequently asked questions will give you a better understanding of the recipe and increase your chances of success in making this hearty and delicious soup. So, let’s dive into it!

What does ajiaco consist of?

Ajiaco is an authentic dish hailing from Colombia that one must indulge in before leaving the country. This filling soup comprises three varieties of potatoes (namely criolla, sabanera and pastusa), chicken, guasca leaves, and half an ear of corn to refine the flavor.

What does ajiaco mean in English?

A type of stew commonly found in Latin America’s culinary scene, made with potatoes and chillies.

What kind of soup do they eat in Encanto?

The engagement party for Isabela featured Ajiaco soup as the dish of choice for the Madrigal family.

What is guascas made of?

An herb frequently used in the culinary traditions of South America, particularly in the cuisine of Peru and Colombia, is Guascas. It belongs to the daisy family and is known scientifically as Galinsoga parviflora.

Bottom Line

In conclusion, there’s nothing like a warm and hearty soup to keep you cozy and satisfied, especially during the colder months of the year. If you’re looking to spice up your soup game, give this Ajiaco recipe a try. Not only is it easy to make but it’s also packed with flavors that will transport you straight to the heart of Colombia or Cuba. With just a few simple ingredients such as chicken, potatoes, corn, cilantro and other spices, you can impress your family and friends with a bowl of deliciousness.

As you make this Ajiaco recipe, remember to taste as you go along and adjust the seasoning accordingly. Feel free to get creative with the ingredients and substitute any of them for different kinds of potatoes or even add some Galinsoga parviflora if you’re feeling adventurous.

And if you’re unsure about anything in this recipe or have any doubts about whether you’re doing something right, don’t hesitate to refer to the Tips for Perfect Results section or the FAQ section. Remember that practice makes perfect.

So why not take a leap of faith and try this traditional Colombian or Cuban soup? I promise you won’t regret it. Not only is it filling and comforting but it also has an encanto that will keep you coming back for more. So what are you waiting for? Get into your kitchen, gather up these simple ingredients and let’s make some Ajiaco!

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About Dora @ Kitchen on Cary

Dora

Dora is a chef well-versed in Brazilian and American cuisine. After a hard day's work in the kitchen of her restaurant, she finds the time to jot down recipes for her food blog. Her recipes are sure to delight foodies everywhere, as she strives to make each one unique and enjoyable to read.

Hearty and Delicious Ajiaco Recipe for Soul-Soothing Comfort