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Milk Street Bowtie Colombian Potato Soup with Chicken, Corn and Capers (Ajiáco)

Colombian Potato Soup with Chicken, Corn and Capers (Ajiáco)

6 Servings

1¾ hours 30 minutes active

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Mariana Velásquez, food stylist and author of “Colombiana,” says the unique soup called ajiáco is much loved in Bogotá, Colombia, as well as in the surrounding areas. The dish holds special cultural significance because of its pre-Hispanic origins. We made a few adaptations to Velásquez’s recipe, namely adding cut corn kernels in addition to sections of corn on the cob, one of the defining ingredients of the rustic soup. Ajiáco made the traditional way requires three varieties of potatoes. We use varieties widely available in the U.S.—russets, which break down with cooking and lend the broth creaminess, Yukon Golds for their color and buttery flavor, and waxy potatoes, added near the end of cooking, that retain their dense, firm texture. Guascas is an herb used to season ajiáco, but it’s difficult to come by in the U.S. If you can find it, by all means, use it; otherwise, Velásquez suggests substituting an equal amount of chopped celery leaves. Offer lots of napkins at the table, as you’ll need your fingers as well as a spoon to enjoy this meal in a bowl.

6

Servings

Tip

Don’t forget to remove the skin from the chicken breasts before adding them to the pot. This will prevent the broth from becoming greasy.

1¾ hours

30 minutes active

2 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts, skin removed and discarded
1 pound russet potatoes, peeled and sliced into ¼-inch rounds
1 pound Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and sliced into ¼-inch rounds
4 scallions, trimmed
4 ears corn, husks and silk removed, kernels cut off 2 ears, cobs and kernels reserved separately, 2 ears cut into 3 pieces each
2 medium celery stalks, halved crosswise
10-12 cilantro sprigs
3 medium garlic cloves, smashed and peeled
Kosher salt and ground black pepper
1 pound small waxy potatoes, such as Red Bliss or yellow or white creamers, unpeeled, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
2 tablespoons dried guascas (optional; see headnote)
1/2 cup drained capers
2 ripe avocados, halved, pitted, peeled and cut into wedges
3/4 cup heavy cream
Ingredients
  • 2

    pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts, skin removed and discarded

  • 1

    pound russet potatoes, peeled and sliced into ¼-inch rounds

  • 1

    pound Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and sliced into ¼-inch rounds

  • 4

    scallions, trimmed

  • 4

    ears corn, husks and silk removed, kernels cut off 2 ears, cobs and kernels reserved separately, 2 ears cut into 3 pieces each

  • 2

    medium celery stalks, halved crosswise

  • 10-12

    cilantro sprigs

  • 3

    medium garlic cloves, smashed and peeled

  • Kosher salt and ground black pepper

  • 1

    pound small waxy potatoes, such as Red Bliss or yellow or white creamers, unpeeled, sliced into ¼-inch rounds

  • 2

    tablespoons dried guascas (optional; see headnote)

  • ½

    cup drained capers

  • 2

    ripe avocados, halved, pitted, peeled and cut into wedges

  • ¾

    cup heavy cream

Directions

Colombian Potato Soup with Chicken, Corn and Capers (Ajiáco)

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Reviews
Brock S.
January 12, 2023
Excellent cold night dinner
Made on a cold night while we watched a late season NFL game...wonderful and not too difficult. Hearty with the chicken and potatoes. Sweet from the corn and a little tartness from the capers. Will be making again. Might brown the chicken before putting into the stock next time.
James B.
October 11, 2022
YES!
Used 2 bone-in skin on chicken breast and 1 bone-in skin on thigh (to make 2lbs total). Wonderful dish!
Carol N.
October 4, 2022
Excellent!
Husband said best soup ever!
Kira H.
November 20, 2023
Delicious
Loved this recipe. Clean delicious soup