This Mulligatawny Soup is a delightful blend of spices and wholesome ingredients, creating a comforting dish perfect for chilly days. Its rich flavors and creamy texture make it an excellent choice for family dinners or gatherings with friends. Not only is this soup satisfying, but it also warms the soul with every spoonful.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comforting and Hearty: Mulligatawny Soup is packed with chicken and vegetables, making it a filling meal that can warm you up on cold nights.
- Customizable Flavor: You can adjust the spices to suit your taste, whether you prefer a mild or spicy kick.
- Quick Preparation: With a total time of just 40 minutes, this recipe allows you to enjoy homemade soup without spending all day in the kitchen.
- Nutrient-Rich: Loaded with vegetables and lean protein, this soup offers a healthy option that doesn’t compromise on taste.
- Perfect for Leftovers: This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together, making it an ideal dish for meal prep.
Tools and Preparation
A few essential tools will make preparing Mulligatawny Soup easy and efficient. With the right equipment, cooking becomes a joy rather than a chore.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large stock pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring spoons
- Wooden spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Large stock pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for simmering soups evenly and accommodating all ingredients comfortably.
- Cutting board: Protects your countertops while providing a stable surface for chopping vegetables.
- Sharp knife: Ensures easy and safe cutting of meat and vegetables, making prep work quicker.
- Measuring spoons: Helps in accurately measuring spices to achieve the perfect flavor balance.
Ingredients
This classic spiced chicken soup is a winter favorite — so tasty, gently spiced, and ultra comforting.
For the Chicken
- 1 pound boneless chicken (breast or thighs, your choice, sliced into short, thin strips)
For the Spices
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon flour
For the Vegetables
- 3 tablespoons olive or coconut oil (divided usage)
- 1 small/medium onion (chopped)
- 2 ribs celery (chopped)
- 1 carrot (peeled and chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
For Adding Flavor
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- 2 teaspoons curry powder (mild or hot, your choice)
- 1 quart chicken broth
For Texture & Sweetness
- 1/2 cup uncooked white rice
- 1 sweet-tart apple (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, peeled)
For Creaminess
- 14-ounce can coconut milk (well shaken)
To Taste
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Mulligatawny Soup
Step 1: Heat Oil
Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large stock pot or Dutch oven over medium heat until shimmering.
Step 2: Prepare Chicken
Toss chicken pieces with ground cumin, coriander, garam masala, cayenne pepper, salt, and flour. Add to the pot. Brown chicken on all sides until completely cooked through. Remove from pot and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté Vegetables
Add another tablespoon of oil to the pot. When shimmering, add chopped onions, celery, and carrots. Sauté until soft. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant for about one minute.
Step 4: Bloom Spices
Push vegetables to one side of the pot. In the empty space, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Sprinkle garam masala, curry powder, flour, and a pinch of salt over the oil; stir to form a paste with vegetables. Add a bit of chicken broth to smooth out any lumps formed by the roux.
Step 5: Simmer Soup
Pour in the remaining chicken broth; bring soup to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Add rice then reduce heat back to medium-low. Partially cover pot; cook for about 15 minutes. Grate apple directly into soup and stir in reserved chicken. Cook for an additional 5 minutes; taste and adjust salt if necessary.
Step 6: Add Coconut Milk
Lower heat; stir in coconut milk thoroughly until heated through. Do one final tasting before serving; adjust salt and pepper according to preference.
Enjoy your delicious bowl of Mulligatawny Soup!
How to Serve Mulligatawny Soup
Mulligatawny soup is a delightful dish that can be served in various ways to enhance its flavor and appeal. Here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your meal experience.
With Fresh Herbs
- Cilantro or Parsley: Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro or parsley on top for added freshness and color.
Accompanied by Bread
- Crusty Bread: Serve with slices of warm, crusty bread for dipping, adding a satisfying texture to the meal.
- Naan or Flatbread: Pair with naan or flatbread to soak up the rich flavors of the soup.
Topped with Garnishes
- Sour Cream or Yogurt: Add a dollop of sour cream or yogurt for creaminess and a cooling effect against the spices.
- Chili Flakes: For an extra kick, sprinkle some chili flakes on top before serving.
With a Side Salad
- Mixed Greens Salad: A light mixed greens salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette complements the warmth of the soup beautifully.
How to Perfect Mulligatawny Soup
Perfecting your mulligatawny soup can take it from good to great. Here are some handy tips to consider.
- Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground spices will provide more intense flavors than pre-ground ones. Consider grinding them just before use.
- Adjust Spice Levels: Tailor the spice levels to your preference by varying the amount of cayenne pepper or curry powder used.
- Add Depth with Broth: Using homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought enhances the overall richness of the soup.
- Include More Vegetables: Feel free to add extra vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or spinach for added nutrition and color.
- Let It Simmer: Allowing the soup to simmer longer helps meld all the flavors together, making it even more delicious.
- Taste as You Go: Regularly tasting your soup during cooking lets you adjust seasoning and spice levels to suit your palate.
Best Side Dishes for Mulligatawny Soup
Serving mulligatawny soup with complementary side dishes can create a balanced meal. Here are some great options to consider.
- Garlic Bread: Crunchy and buttery garlic bread is perfect for dipping into your flavorful soup.
- Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad adds crunch and balances the spices in the soup.
- Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf seasoned with herbs pairs well and makes for a filling meal alongside the soup.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted seasonal vegetables add both flavor and nutrition, enhancing your dining experience.
- Chickpea Salad: A protein-packed chickpea salad brings an added texture and nutritional boost alongside your soup.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs make for a hearty side that complements the warmth of mulligatawny soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Mulligatawny Soup, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to watch out for:
- Using the wrong cut of chicken: Opt for boneless cuts like breast or thighs to ensure tenderness. Tough cuts can lead to a chewy texture.
- Skipping the spices: The spices are what make this soup special. Make sure you measure accurately and toast them briefly to enhance their flavors.
- Overcooking the vegetables: Cook the vegetables just until tender; overcooking can cause them to lose their vibrant colors and nutrients.
- Not adjusting seasoning: Always taste your soup before serving. Adjusting salt and pepper at the end ensures it’s perfectly seasoned.
- Forgetting the rice cooking time: Uncooked rice needs adequate time to soften; don’t rush this step, or it may remain hard in the final dish.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Allow the soup to cool completely before sealing.
Freezing Mulligatawny Soup
- Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
- Leave some space at the top of the container for expansion.
Reheating Mulligatawny Soup
- Oven: Place in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl on medium power, stirring occasionally until hot.
- Stovetop: Warm over medium heat on the stove, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mulligatawny Soup?
Mulligatawny Soup is a spiced chicken soup that combines unique flavors with hearty ingredients. It’s a comforting dish perfect for cold days.
How can I customize Mulligatawny Soup?
You can add different vegetables like spinach or peas or use lentils instead of rice for a variation. Experiment with spice levels based on your preference!
Can I make Mulligatawny Soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute chicken with chickpeas or tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a delicious vegetarian version.
What are good sides to serve with Mulligatawny Soup?
Pair it with crusty bread or naan for dipping. A light salad also complements the rich flavors well.
Final Thoughts
Mulligatawny Soup is not only delicious but also versatile, allowing you to adjust ingredients based on your preferences. This comforting soup brings warmth during winter months, making it a staple in many households. Try making it today and enjoy its delightful flavors!
Mulligatawny Soup
Mulligatawny Soup is a delightful and aromatic dish that combines tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a blend of spices to create a warming experience perfect for chilly evenings. The creamy coconut milk adds richness while the spices provide an inviting warmth, making this soup not only satisfying but also deeply comforting. With its customizable flavor profile, you can adjust the spice levels to suit your preference, ensuring every bowl is just right for you. This easy-to-follow recipe allows for quick preparation and makes great use of pantry staples. Enjoy it as a hearty dinner or save some for leftovers—the flavors only get better with time!
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless chicken (breast or thighs, sliced)
- 1 small onion (chopped)
- 2 ribs celery (chopped)
- 1 carrot (peeled and chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 quart chicken broth
- 14-ounce can coconut milk
- 1/2 cup uncooked white rice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon flour
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large stock pot over medium heat. Add chicken seasoned with spices and flour; brown on all sides and set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté onions, celery, and carrots until soft; add garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Bloom spices in the pot before adding chicken broth; bring to a boil.
- Stir in rice and reduce heat; cover and simmer for about 15 minutes.
- Grate apple into the soup, return chicken to the pot, and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Stir in coconut milk until heated through; taste and adjust seasoning.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg