Caldo de Gallina Vieja o de Pollo

Caldo de Gallina Vieja o de Pollo Recipe - Traditional Dominican Dish

Region / culture: Dominican Republic | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 6

Introduction

Caldo de Gallina Vieja o de Pollo is a traditional Colombian chicken soup that is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for a comforting meal. This recipe is a classic dish that has been passed down through generations and is loved by many for its rich and savory broth.

History

Caldo de Gallina Vieja o de Pollo has its roots in Colombian cuisine, where it is a popular dish enjoyed by families and communities alike. The recipe typically calls for old chicken or hen, which adds a depth of flavor to the broth. This soup is often served as a main course or as a starter to a larger meal.

Ingredients

1 cup of gem squash, cut into small cubes
2 lb (907 g) of old hen or chicken
1 cup of potatoes, cut into small cubes
1 cube of chicken stock
6 cups of water
1 spoon of oil
0.5 cup of noodles
1 spoon of chopped parsley
0.5 tsp of mashed garlic
0.25 cup of chopped celery

How to prepare

Heat the oil in a pot and add the chicken, garlic, salt, and herbs.
Pour in the water and bring it to a boil.
Simmer at medium heat until the chicken or hen becomes tender, adjusting the water as needed.
Add the potatoes, celery, and squash, and after five minutes, add the noodles.
Stir regularly to prevent sticking, adjusting the water as needed.
Season with salt to taste.
Turn off the heat when the noodles are tender.

Variations

Add corn or peas for extra vegetables.
Use different herbs and spices for a unique flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to adjust the water as needed while simmering the chicken to ensure that it remains tender and flavorful.

- Stir the soup regularly to prevent the noodles from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

- Season with salt to taste at the end of cooking to enhance the flavors of the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Caldo de Gallina Vieja o de Pollo with a side of rice or crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Simmer the soup at a medium heat to ensure that the chicken becomes tender and the flavors meld together.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use chicken broth instead of water for a richer flavor.

- Substitute zucchini for gem squash if desired.

Make Ahead Tips

This soup can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish with fresh parsley or a squeeze of lime for a pop of color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Caldo de Gallina Vieja o de Pollo with a side of avocado salad for a refreshing contrast.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

- Approximately 300 calories per serving

Carbohydrates

- Gem squash: 7g per cup

- Potatoes: 37g per cup

- Noodles: 40g per 0.5 cup

Fats

- Oil: 14g per tablespoon

Proteins

- Chicken: 38g per 2 lb

Vitamins and minerals

Parsley: High in vitamin K and vitamin C

- Garlic: Contains vitamin C, vitamin B6, and manganese

- Celery: Good source of vitamin K and potassium

Alergens

This recipe contains gluten from the noodles.

Summary

Caldo de Gallina Vieja o de Pollo is a nutritious and balanced meal that provides a good source of protein, carbohydrates, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Caldo de Gallina Vieja o de Pollo is a delicious and comforting Colombian chicken soup that is perfect for a cozy meal. With its rich broth, tender chicken, and hearty vegetables, this dish is sure to warm you up from the inside out. Enjoy this traditional recipe with your family and friends for a taste of Colombian cuisine.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was a hot summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her small village in the mountains of Peru. Maria was known for her delicious and comforting caldo de gallina vieja o de pollo, a traditional Peruvian chicken soup that she had been making for years.

As soon as I walked into her cozy kitchen, I could smell the tantalizing aroma of the simmering soup. Maria greeted me with a warm hug and a smile, inviting me to sit down at her kitchen table. She handed me a steaming bowl of the golden broth, filled with tender pieces of chicken, potatoes, corn, and herbs. I took a sip, and my taste buds exploded with flavor. It was the most delicious soup I had ever tasted.

I begged Maria to teach me how to make her caldo de gallina vieja o de pollo, and she graciously agreed. She led me through each step of the process, from selecting the freshest ingredients at the local market to slowly simmering the soup for hours on the stovetop. As we cooked together, Maria shared stories of her own grandmother teaching her the recipe when she was just a young girl.

I was mesmerized by Maria's passion for cooking and her deep connection to her family's culinary traditions. I knew that I had stumbled upon something truly special, and I was determined to learn as much as I could from her.

After a long day of cooking, the soup was finally ready. Maria ladled generous portions into bowls and garnished them with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime. We sat down at the table and savored every spoonful, savoring the rich flavors and comforting warmth of the soup.

As I finished my last bite, Maria handed me a worn piece of paper with the handwritten recipe for her caldo de gallina vieja o de pollo. She told me that this recipe had been passed down through generations of her family, and she was proud to share it with me.

I thanked Maria from the bottom of my heart for her generosity and wisdom. I knew that this recipe would become a treasured family heirloom, cherished and shared with future generations.

Since that day, I have made Maria's caldo de gallina vieja o de pollo countless times, always with a smile on my face and a heart full of gratitude. Each time I prepare the soup, I am transported back to that sunny afternoon in Maria's kitchen, surrounded by love, laughter, and the intoxicating aroma of simmering soup.

I am forever grateful for the gift of this recipe and the precious memories that it holds. And I will continue to honor Maria's legacy by passing on her culinary traditions to my own family, keeping the flame of our shared love for food burning bright for years to come.