Ajiaco Santafereño: Bogotá-style Colombian Chicken And Potato Soup

Ajiaco Santafereño is a traditional Colombian chicken and potato soup that originates from the capital city of Bogotá. This hearty and flavorful soup is a staple in Colombian cuisine, featuring a variety of ingredients that come together to create a comforting and satisfying dish.

Ajiaco Santafereño: Bogotá-style Colombian Chicken And Potato Soup

Ingredients

  • 3 lbs chicken thighs
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 1 lb yellow potatoes, peeled and halved
  • 1 lb red potatoes, peeled and halved
  • 2 ears of corn, cut into thirds
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 bunch of fresh cilantro, tied with kitchen twine
  • 1/2 cup guascas (dried Colombian herb)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Avocado, capers, heavy cream, and rice to serve (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken thighs and cook until browned on all sides.
  2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot, and sauté until the onion is translucent.
  3. Pour in the chicken broth and add the cilantro bundle and guascas. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 30 minutes.
  4. After 30 minutes, add the yellow and red potatoes, as well as the corn pieces, to the pot. Continue to simmer for an additional 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
  5. Once the potatoes are cooked, remove the cilantro bundle and discard. Use tongs to shred the chicken directly in the pot. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Serve the Ajiaco Santafereño hot, accompanied by sliced avocado, capers, a drizzle of heavy cream, and a side of rice if desired.

Cooking & Preparation

Preparation time:
20 minutes
Cooking time:
1 hour
Total time:
1 hour
Cooking method
Stovetop

Nutritional facts per 1 serving

Calories
350 per serving
Protein
25g
Carbohydrates
30g
Fat
15g

Supplies

Large pot Kitchen twine Tongs

Tools

Cutting board Knife Measuring cups and spoons Ladle

Serving suggestions

Serving suggestions: Ajiaco Santafereño is traditionally served with a side of white rice, sliced avocado, capers, and a drizzle of heavy cream. Enjoy with a glass of Colombian soda or a cold beer.

Tips & tricks

Tips: If you can't find guascas, you can substitute with a combination of dried oregano and ground cumin for a similar flavor profile.

Cost

$20