Chicken and Squash Soup

Chicken and Squash Soup Recipe from Fiji - Delicious and Nutritious

Region / culture: Fiji | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Chicken and Squash Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. This recipe combines tender chicken, sweet pumpkin, and creamy coconut cream for a delicious and satisfying meal.

History

This recipe has its roots in traditional Pacific Island cuisine, where ingredients like chicken, squash, and coconut are commonly used in cooking. The combination of these ingredients creates a rich and comforting soup that is perfect for warming up on a cold day.

Ingredients

2 tbsp of cooking oil
1 chopped onion
2 large chicken breasts, diced
900 ml / 30 fl oz of water
2 tbsp of lime juice
salt
2 chopped tomatoes
675 g / 1.5 lb of peeled and sliced pumpkin
120 ml / 4 fl oz of coconut cream

How to prepare

Heat the oil in a large saucepan and sauté the onions for about 5 minutes until they are softened.
Add the chicken to the pan and cook over medium heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Pour in the water, lime juice, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
Stir in the tomatoes, pumpkin, and coconut cream. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Remove the saucepan from the heat immediately and serve the dish hot.
Traditionally, this recipe is served as a main course with boiled taro or breadfruit.

Variations

For a vegetarian version, you can omit the chicken and add in extra vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers.
Add in some curry powder or chili flakes for a spicy kick.
Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for a pop of color and flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to dice the chicken breasts into small, bite-sized pieces to ensure they cook evenly.

- For a richer flavor, you can use chicken broth instead of water in this recipe.

- Feel free to add in additional vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Chicken and Squash Soup with a side of steamed rice or crusty bread for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

This recipe uses a combination of sautéing, boiling, and simmering to create a flavorful and tender soup.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have pumpkin on hand, you can use butternut squash or sweet potatoes as a substitute.

Make Ahead Tips

This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat on the stove before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the soup with a drizzle of coconut cream, a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes, and a wedge of lime for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this Chicken and Squash Soup with a crisp green salad or a side of grilled vegetables for a well-rounded meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

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

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

This recipe contains approximately 300 calories per serving.

Carbohydrates

This recipe contains approximately 25g of carbohydrates per serving.

Fats

This recipe contains approximately 15g of fats per serving.

Proteins

This recipe contains approximately 20g of proteins per serving.

Vitamins and minerals

Chicken and Squash Soup is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains coconut, which may be an allergen for some individuals.

Summary

Overall, this recipe is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Chicken and Squash Soup is a comforting and nutritious dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. With a rich and flavorful broth, tender chicken, and sweet pumpkin, this soup is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately hooked. It was a chilly autumn day, and I was visiting my dear friend Margaret for our weekly tea and chat session. As soon as I walked into her cozy kitchen, I was enveloped in the warm, comforting aroma of simmering chicken and squash soup.

Margaret greeted me with a smile and a hug, before ushering me to the table where a steaming bowl of soup awaited me. I took my first spoonful and was instantly transported to a place of culinary bliss. The rich broth, tender chicken, and velvety squash melted in my mouth, leaving me craving more.

I begged Margaret for the recipe, and she chuckled before telling me the tale of how she learned to make this delicious soup. It all started with her grandmother, a woman known for her exceptional cooking skills and generous heart.

Margaret's grandmother had grown up on a farm, where she learned to make the most of the ingredients that were readily available. Squash was a staple in her kitchen, as it was a versatile vegetable that could be used in a variety of dishes. She would often combine it with chicken, creating a hearty and nourishing soup that was perfect for feeding her large family.

As Margaret's grandmother grew older, she passed down her recipes to her daughter, who in turn passed them down to Margaret. And now, Margaret was passing it down to me.

I was determined to master the art of making chicken and squash soup, so Margaret graciously invited me over to her house the following week for a cooking lesson. As we stood side by side in her kitchen, she guided me through the steps, sharing tips and tricks that had been passed down through generations.

We started by sautéing onions and garlic in a large pot, filling the kitchen with their irresistible aroma. Next, we added chunks of chicken breast and browned them until they were golden and juicy. Then came the star of the show - the squash. Margaret showed me how to peel and dice the squash, explaining that the key to a velvety soup was to let it simmer slowly until it was tender.

As the soup bubbled away on the stove, Margaret regaled me with stories of her grandmother and the many meals she had cooked for her family. Her eyes sparkled with nostalgia as she recalled the joy and love that went into each dish, and I felt privileged to be a part of this culinary tradition.

Finally, after hours of simmering and stirring, the soup was ready. We ladled it into bowls, garnishing it with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and a dollop of sour cream. I took my first spoonful and closed my eyes, savoring the rich, comforting flavors that danced on my tongue.

Margaret smiled at me, her eyes twinkling with pride. "You did it, my dear," she said. "You've mastered the art of making chicken and squash soup."

And from that day on, I became known as the Soup Queen in my family. I would often make this recipe for special occasions, sharing the love and tradition that had been passed down to me by Margaret and her grandmother.

This soup has become more than just a recipe to me. It is a connection to my past, a reminder of the strong women who came before me and the love and nourishment they provided through their cooking. And every time I make it, I feel their presence in the kitchen, guiding me and inspiring me to create something delicious and meaningful.

So the next time you find yourself craving a warm, comforting bowl of soup, look no further than this recipe for chicken and squash soup. It is more than just a dish - it is a taste of history, a celebration of family, and a reminder of the power of good food to bring people together.