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This is the archived version of the Milk Street website and is no longer up to date.

Please visit 177milkstreet.com to see the current website with all of the latest recipes!

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

Ingredients

  • 2

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

  • 1

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

Directions

Reviews
Nadia B.
January 1, 2025
Guascas grows everywhere!
So guascas is Galinsoga and an incredibly common “weed” found all over North America. I guarantee you’ve seen this unassuming 5 petaled white flower with a yellow daisy button in your garden. You’ll know what it is when you steam/sauté it and the roasted artichoke aroma comes through.
Sherl T.
November 1, 2024
Easy and flavorful
Everyone enjoyed this soup - the combination of ingredients works perfectly. I modified slightly, adding 2c frozen corn kernels at the end instead of whole, though can see where the cob in the poaching liquid would add even more flavor. I used sour cream vs heavy cream to finish as that’s what I had. Will make again.
Alex H.
August 5, 2024
Really Great
Loved this soup even in the middle of summer. It's hearty and nourishing. The briny pop of capers really adds something special.
Kira H.
November 20, 2023
Delicious
Loved this recipe. Clean delicious soup
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.

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