Mulligatawny Soup is a flavorful and hearty dish with roots in Indian cuisine. This delicious soup combines tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and fragrant spices for a warming meal that’s perfect for any time of the year. Follow this recipe for the best Mulligatawny Soup, and enjoy a delightful blend of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Soup:
- 6 chicken thighs (approximately 1 lb total), skinless and boneless, cut into 1/2-inch cubes (refer to notes for possible substitutions)
- ½ cup yellow onions, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 small carrots, diced
- 1 leek, thinly sliced (white part only)
- ½ stick unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp mild curry powder (or medium/hot for more spice)
- 5 cups chicken stock (or chicken broth)
- ½ apple, cored and finely chopped
- ¼ cup white rice
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- ⅛ tsp ground nutmeg
- ⅛ tsp dried thyme
For Serving/Garnish:
- 1 cup heavy cream, heated (optional)
- Chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Cut the chicken thighs into ½-inch cubes and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- In a sizable pot, heat the butter on medium.
- Add the chopped onions, celery, carrots, and leek. Cook the vegetables until they soften, which should take around 5-7 minutes.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Sauté the vegetables for 5-7 minutes, or until they are soft and tender.
- Add the cubed chicken to the pot and cook until the chicken is no longer pink, about 5 minutes.
- Add Flour and Curry Powder:
- Sprinkle the flour and curry powder over the chicken and vegetables. Stir well to coat and cook for about 2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Add Stock and Remaining Ingredients:
- Gradually pour in the chicken stock while stirring to prevent lumps.
- Add the finely chopped apple, white rice, salt, black pepper, ground nutmeg, and dried thyme. Stir to combine.
- Simmer the Soup:
- Raise the heat to bring the soup to a boil, then lower it to a simmer.
- Cover and simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the flavors have melded together.
- Adjust Seasoning:
- Sample the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
- Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls. If desired, stir in the heated heavy cream for a richer flavor.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
Notes:
- Substitutions for Chicken: If you don’t have chicken thighs, you can use chicken breast or leftover cooked chicken. For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken with chickpeas or lentils.
- Curry Powder: Adjust the heat level of the curry powder to your preference. You can use curry powder of any heat level—mild, medium, or hot—to suit your taste.
- Rice Alternatives: You can use other types of rice like basmati or jasmine for a slightly different texture and flavor. For a low-carb option, substitute with cauliflower rice.
Conclusion
This Mulligatawny Soup is a delightful blend of chicken, vegetables, and spices, offering a comforting and flavorful meal. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy the rich, aromatic flavors and the warming comfort of this classic dish.