Best Ajiaco Colombian Chicken Stew Recipes

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COLOMBIAN CHICKEN STEW (AJIACO)



Colombian Chicken Stew (Ajiaco) image

This stew is comforting, a little exotic, totally different, fresh, and delicious!

Provided by Jennifer

Categories     Soups, Stews and Chili Recipes     Stews     Chicken

Time 2h

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 (3 pound) whole chicken, cut into pieces
8 potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 onion, chopped
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
1 (15.25 ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
2 avocados, peeled, pitted, and diced
¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
¼ cup sour cream, for topping

Steps:

  • Put chicken pieces in a large pot over medium heat with enough water to cover the chicken; bring to a boil and let simmer until the chicken is falling off the bones, about 45 minutes. Remove chicken from pot, reserving the water in the pot. Allow the chicken to cool enough to be able to remove the meat from bones and shred into strands.
  • Return the water to medium heat; add the potatoes, onion, salt, pepper, and garlic powder to the water; cook until the potatoes and onion are soft; about 30 minutes. Once the potatoes are tender, use a masher to mash the potatoes into the broth, resulting in a thickened broth. Stir in the shredded chicken and corn; cook until heated through completely. Add the avocado and cilantro just before serving; garnish with sour cream.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 693.1 calories, Carbohydrate 71.3 g, Cholesterol 103.8 mg, Fat 28.8 g, Fiber 12.6 g, Protein 41.1 g, SaturatedFat 7.4 g, Sodium 713.8 mg, Sugar 5.7 g

AJIACO (COLOMBIAN CHICKEN STEW)



Ajiaco (Colombian Chicken Stew) image

My husband is from Colombia and loves this "typical" dish. I don't really like cilantro, so I don't cook it, I add it at the end as a garnish. This recipe comes from a cookbook published in 1980 in Bogota. I translated it as best I could.

Provided by threeovens

Categories     Stew

Time 45m

Yield 12 cups, 12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 whole chicken, cut up
1 medium onion, chopped
1 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped
1 medium white radish (optional)
1 carrot, peeled and chopped
1/2 cup green peas
3 ears corn, cut in fourths
3 lbs yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut in large dice
2 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and cut in large dice
4 tablespoons cream
salt

Steps:

  • Place all ingredients, except cream and cilantro, in a large stockpot or dutch oven, and cover with 10 cups of water; cook about 30 minutes until chicken is tender but not falling off the bone, adding additional water as needed to maintain a soup consistency.
  • Stir in cilantro and cream.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 451.6, Fat 19.9, SaturatedFat 6.1, Cholesterol 86.8, Sodium 92.1, Carbohydrate 44.7, Fiber 5.1, Sugar 3.9, Protein 24.4

Ajiaco Colombian Chicken Stew Recipes: An

Ajiaco is a traditional, hearty chicken stew that originates from Colombia. It has been a staple food in the region for centuries and is a popular dish amongst people of all ages, backgrounds and cultures. The stew comes with various regional variations, but the most popular form includes chicken, potatoes, corn, and guascas, a special herb that is native to Colombia.

Ingredients Used in Ajiaco Colombian Chicken Stew Recipes

Chicken

The main ingredient in ajiaco is chicken. The chicken is usually cooked with the bones and skin on. This gives the stew a rich and flavorful taste. It is important to use chicken with skin and bones, as it adds to the overall flavor and texture of the dish.

Potatoes

Another essential ingredient for making ajiaco is potatoes. The recipe calls for three different types of potatoes - papa criolla, papa sabanera and regular papas. Papa criolla is a small yellow potato that is native to Colombia. It is essential to have all three types of potatoes in the recipe as they provide a unique texture and flavor to the stew.

Corn

Corn is another vital ingredient used in making ajiaco. It gives a unique sweetness to the dish and is a popular grain used in Colombian cuisine. Corn is also used in the form of corn on the cob and cornmeal, which is added as a thickener in the recipe.

Guascas

Guascas is a herb that is native to Colombia. It is the key ingredient that gives ajiaco its distinct taste and flavor. The herb has a slight lemony taste and gives the stew a slightly sour taste, which balances the sweetness from the corn and potatoes.

The Preparation of Ajiaco Colombian Chicken Stew

Ajiaco is a simple recipe that requires a few basic ingredients but has a complex flavor profile. The chicken is first cooked and set aside, and the stock is used as a base for the stew. The three types of potatoes are added to the stock, followed by corn on the cob.

The guascas are then added to the stew and cooked for a few minutes. Finally, the cooked chicken is added back to the pot and is allowed to simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes until all the ingredients have combined and infused with each other.

Serving Ajiaco Colombian Chicken Stew

Ajiaco is usually served with white rice, avocado, capers, and cream. These additional ingredients provide a distinct flavor and texture to the dish. The stew is topped with these ingredients before serving and is usually served with a slice of lime on the side.

Conclusion

In conclusion, ajiaco Colombian chicken stew is a delicious and hearty meal that is perfect for a cold winter day. With its unique blend of flavors and textures, this dish has become a staple in Colombian cuisine and is enjoyed by people all over the world. Give it a try, and we assure you that you won’t be disappointed!

Valuable Tips When Making Ajiaco Colombian Chicken Stew

Ajiaco is a hearty and comforting chicken stew that is popular in Colombia. It is made with a variety of ingredients, including chicken, corn, potatoes, and herbs, which blend together to create a delicious and nutritious dish. If you are interested in making ajiaco at home, here are some valuable tips to help you create an authentic and flavorful version:
1. Use The Right Type Of Chicken
When making ajiaco, it is important to use a whole chicken instead of just chicken breasts or thighs. This is because the bone and skin are essential for creating a rich and flavorful broth. Make sure to remove the giblets from the chicken before cooking, and consider using a pressure cooker to speed up the process.
2. Choose The Right Type Of Potatoes
One of the key ingredients in ajiaco is potatoes, and there are several different varieties that can be used. For the most authentic flavor, choose papas criollas, which are small yellow potatoes that are native to Colombia. If you cannot find papas criollas, you can substitute with Yukon Gold or red potatoes.
3. Add Garnishes To Taste
Ajiaco is traditionally served with a variety of garnishes, including capers, avocado, cream, and cilantro. However, you can also experiment with other toppings, such as grated cheese or sliced radish. The garnishes not only add flavor and texture to the dish, but they also allow each person to customize their serving to their own tastes.
4. Use Fresh Herbs
Herbs are a crucial component of ajiaco, so it is important to use fresh ones for the best flavor. Common herbs used in ajiaco include scallions, garlic, and cilantro. Consider growing your own herbs or purchasing them from a local farmer's market to ensure they are as fresh as possible.
5. Watch The Consistency
Ajiaco should have a thick and creamy consistency, but it can easily become too watery or too thick. To prevent this, make sure to simmer the stew for the full amount of time specified in the recipe, and consider adding cornstarch or flour if the stew is too thin. On the other hand, if the stew is too thick, you can add more broth or water to thin it out.
6. Don't Overcook The Potatoes
Potatoes are a key ingredient in ajiaco, but they can easily become mushy if overcooked. To prevent this, make sure to add the potatoes to the stew during the last 20-30 minutes of cooking time. This will ensure that they are tender but not overly soft.
7. Consider Making A Double Batch
Ajiaco is a time-intensive dish to make, but it can easily be doubled or tripled to serve a larger crowd. Consider making a large batch and freezing the leftovers for later use. The stew reheats well and can be a convenient and delicious meal option on busy weeknights.
8. Use Quality Ingredients
To create the best possible ajiaco, it is important to use quality ingredients. This includes fresh produce, high-quality chicken, and herbs and spices that are not past their expiration date. Invest in good ingredients to create a flavorful and authentic dish.
9. Allow Time For Marinating
Some ajiaco recipes call for marinating the chicken before cooking to infuse it with flavor. If your recipe includes a marinating step, be sure to allow enough time for the chicken to absorb the flavors. This can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours.
10. Serve With Colombian-Style Rice
Ajiaco is traditionally served with Colombian-style rice, which is flavored with cilantro and scallions. To create this rice, simply cook rice as you normally would, but add in chopped cilantro and scallions during the final few minutes of cooking. The rice pairs perfectly with the creamy and flavorful ajiaco stew.

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