Ajiaco Santafereño (Chicken Soup from the Capital of Colombia)

As any other country, Colombia has special dishes on each area. The most traditional one you will find in Bogotá is Ajiaco.

There are different versions of Ajiaco, but it is usually made with chicken and three kinds of potatoes, corn and an herbs called Guascas. This herbs give the soup a unique flavor. It is very important to use guascas and papa criolla as they are the key ingredients in this dish.

Ingredients

(6-8 SERVINGS)

• 3 Chicken breast, skin removed

• 12 cups water

• 3 ears fresh corn, cuted into 2 pieces

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• Pepper to taste

• 2 chicken bouillon cubes

• 3 scallions

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 3 tablespoon chopped cilantro

• 2 cups papa criolla (Andean Potato)

• 3 medium white potatoes, peeled and sliced

• 3 medium red potatoes, peeled and sliced

• 1/3 cup guascas

• 1 cup heavy cream for serving

Directions

1. In a large pot, place the chicken, corn, chicken bouillon, cilantro, scallions, garlic, salt and pepper. Add the water and bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium and cook for about 35 to 40 minutes, until chicken is cooked and tender. Remove the chicken and set aside.

2. Continue cooking the corn for 30 more minutes. Discard green onion and add red potatoes, white potatoes, and the guacas. Cook for 30 more minutes.

3. Uncover and add the frozen papa criolla and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, season with salt and pepper.

4. Cut the chicken meat into small pieces and return to the pot. Serve the Ajiaco hot with capers and heavy cream on the side.

Buen Provecho!

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