Ajiaco is an emblematic dish of Colombian gastronomy. This recipe combines tender pieces of chicken with corn on the cob, Creole and white potatoes, and a special touch of guascas, an aromatic herb that gives it a unique flavor. The heavy cream adds irresistible softness, while the capers and avocado add freshness and texture. Prepare this homemade ajiaco and enjoy a culinary experience full of tradition and warmth!
Ajiaco Recipe
Delight yourself with a Colombian ajiaco, a hearty and comforting soup full of traditional flavors. Discover how to prepare this classic ajiaco recipe with chicken, corn, potatoes and other delicious ingredients
5
Portions20
minute50
minute400
kcalIngredients:
500 grams of chicken (preferably thighs and breasts)
3 coup of chicken soup
3 coup of water
2 units of shelled corn masorcas
4 units of Creole potatoes or yellow potatoes, peeled and cut into pieces
2 units of white potatoes, peeled and cut into pieces
1 units of white onion, finely chopped
3 glove of garlic, chopped
1 twig of guascas (typical herb of ajiaco, can be found in Latin stores)
1 Cup of milk cream
1 unit of ripe avocado, sliced
1 unit of lemon, cut into quarters
Capers, to decorate
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot, place the chicken broth and water. Bring to a boil and add the chicken. Cook over medium heat for about 20 minutes or until the chicken is tender. Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it into small pieces.
- Place the shredded chicken back into the pot along with the broth. Add the corn cobs and Creole potatoes. Cook over medium heat for about 15 minutes.
- Add the white potatoes, onion, garlic and guascas sprig to the pot. Continue cooking over medium heat for another 15 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
- Remove the corn cobs from the pot and cut them into small slices. Add them back to the pot.
- Add the heavy cream to the pot and stir well. Cook for 5 more minutes.
- Taste the ajiaco and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the hot ajiaco in deep plates. Decorate with slices of avocado, capers and lemon.
Tips
- Choose bone-in chicken: Using bone-in chicken, such as thighs and breasts, will give the ajiaco more flavor and juiciness. Plus, the bone will help create a more flavorful broth.
- Don't forget guascas: Guascas is an herb traditionally used in Colombian ajiaco. If possible, get fresh guascas for a more authentic flavor. If you can't find fresh guascas, you can also use dried guascas or even replace them with cilantro leaves.
- Choose the right potatoes: Creole potatoes or yellow potatoes are the most traditional for ajiaco, as they give a soft and creamy texture to the soup. However, if you can't find them, white potatoes will also work well. Avoid using potatoes that are too floury, as they may fall apart during cooking.
- Add the potatoes at different times: To obtain a varied texture in the ajiaco, add the Creole potatoes at the beginning of cooking and the white potatoes towards the end. This will help the Creole potatoes break down a little and thicken the soup, while the white potatoes will stay more whole.
- Serve with traditional garnishes: Accompany your ajiaco with slices of avocado, capers and lemon, which are classic garnishes to highlight the flavors of ajiaco. You can also serve additional white rice and heavy cream on the table so that each diner can serve themselves according to their taste.
Nutritional information
- Calories 400kcal
- Carbohydrates 20g
- Protein 30g
- Fat 20g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fiber 6g
- Sugar 4g
Ajiaco and its health benefits
Ajiaco, one of the most emblematic dishes of Colombian gastronomy, not only delights the palate with its exquisite flavor, but also offers a series of health benefits. This succulent soup, prepared with chicken, corn, Creole potatoes and a variety of aromatic ingredients, is not only a delight for the senses, but can also be a nutritious and balanced option.
One of the main benefits of ajiaco lies in its nutritional value. This dish provides an ideal combination of protein, carbohydrates, fiber and a wide range of essential vitamins and minerals. Chicken, used as a soup base, is a lean source of protein, essential for the repair and growth of muscle tissues. For its part, corn provides fiber, which promotes healthy digestion and helps prevent constipation.
Creole potatoes, another key ingredient in ajiaco, are an excellent source of energy thanks to their complex carbohydrate content. Additionally, they contain a variety of nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin B6, potassium and magnesium, which are essential for optimal immune system function, heart health and brain function.
In addition to its nutritional value, ajiaco also offers antioxidant properties. Some of the ingredients used in its preparation, such as corn and aromatic herbs, contain antioxidant compounds that help protect the body against free radicals and cellular damage. These antioxidants contribute to disease prevention and healthy aging.
Another benefit of ajiaco is its ability to provide a feeling of satiety. Thanks to the combination of nutritious and fiber-rich ingredients, this soup can help control appetite and avoid excess food consumption. Additionally, ajiaco is a comfort food that satisfies both physical and emotional hunger, providing a feeling of warmth and well-being.
We cannot fail to mention that ajiaco is an expression of the rich Colombian culinary tradition. Beyond its health benefits, this dish represents an integral part of the country's culture and heritage. Preparing and enjoying a homemade ajiaco is a way to connect with your roots and celebrate the culinary diversity that characterizes Colombia.
History of ajiaco
Ajiaco is an emblematic soup of Colombian cuisine, with a history that dates back to pre-Columbian times. The term “ajiaco” comes from the indigenous word “aji”, which refers to chili or chili, an important ingredient in the gastronomy of the native peoples of the region.
The modern version of Colombian ajiaco was developed during the colonial era, combining indigenous, African and European influences. During this period, the Spanish introduced ingredients such as potatoes and corn to the region, which were incorporated into the original ajiaco recipe, enriching its flavor and texture.
Traditional Colombian ajiaco is prepared with chicken, Creole potatoes (a variety of potato native to Colombia), ears of sweet corn, guascas (an aromatic Colombian herb), onion, garlic, yucca and other vegetables. These ingredients are slowly cooked in an aromatic broth until they are tender and full of flavor. When served, the ajiaco is accompanied with avocado, capers, heavy cream and white rice, which gives it an additional touch of creaminess and flavor.
Ajiaco is not only a delicious dish, but it is also highly appreciated in Colombian culture. It is considered a symbol of national identity and is commonly served on special and festive occasions, as well as at family gatherings and social events. Its versatility and its roots in Colombian culture have led to ajiaco being recognized and enjoyed throughout the country and in other parts of the world where Colombian communities have established themselves.
Conclusion:
Ajiaco is not only a delicacy for the palate, but also a healthy and nutritious option. Its carefully selected ingredients and balanced combination of nutrients make this soup a tasty and beneficial choice for the body. From its antioxidant properties to its ability to provide satiety, ajiaco demonstrates that traditional food can be a source of pleasure and well-being. So the next time you enjoy a dish of ajiaco, enjoy its flavor and celebrate the benefits it brings to your health. Enjoy!
Note: In the nutritional table, it should be taken into account that it is only an approximate of the nutritional values of Colombian ajiaco per serving, using average values of common ingredients. Please note that these values may vary depending on the specific ingredients you use and preparation methods.
Enjoy
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