Chicken Souse

Chicken Souse Recipe from Dutch Antilles | Ingredients: Chicken, Celery, Onion, Bell Pepper, Potatoes, Lemon Juice

Region / culture: Dutch Antilles | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 4

Introduction

Chicken Souse is a traditional Caribbean dish that is known for its flavorful broth and tender chicken pieces. This dish is perfect for a comforting meal on a cold day or when you're looking for a taste of the islands.

History

Chicken Souse has its roots in Caribbean cuisine, particularly in countries like Jamaica, Barbados, and Trinidad and Tobago. It is believed to have been brought to the region by African slaves and has since become a popular dish enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.

Ingredients

1-3 lb (1.36 kg) broiler fryer chicken, cut up
1 qt (946 ml) water
1 celery rib, sliced
1 medium onion, sliced
1 small red or green bell pepper, cut into thin strips
3 potatoes, peeled and cubed
0.25 cup fresh lemon juice
salt and pepper to taste
Dash of hot pepper sauce

How to prepare

Cover the chicken with water and add the remaining ingredients.
Heat the mixture until it reaches boiling point, then cover and reduce the heat.
Allow it to simmer for 1 hour or until the chicken is fully cooked.
Serve with additional lemon juice and red or green pepper.

Variations

You can add carrots, celery, or other vegetables to the broth for added flavor and nutrition.
For a spicier version, add more hot pepper sauce or chopped chili peppers.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to simmer the chicken souse on low heat to allow the flavors to meld together.

- Adjust the amount of hot pepper sauce to suit your spice preference.

- For a richer broth, you can add chicken broth or stock in addition to water.

Serving Suggestions

Serve chicken souse with a side of rice or bread for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Simmering the chicken souse allows the flavors to develop and the chicken to become tender.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use chicken thighs or drumsticks instead of a whole chicken.

- If you don't have fresh lemon juice, you can use bottled lemon juice.

Make Ahead Tips

Chicken souse can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the chicken souse with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Chicken souse pairs well with a side of coleslaw or a fresh green salad.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover chicken souse in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

250 per serving

Carbohydrates

18g per serving

Fats

8g per serving

Proteins

25g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Chicken souse is a good source of vitamin C, potassium, and iron.

Alergens

Chicken souse may contain allergens such as gluten (if served with bread) and soy (if soy sauce is used).

Summary

Chicken souse is a nutritious dish that is high in protein and low in carbohydrates. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Chicken Souse is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a taste of the Caribbean. With its flavorful broth and tender chicken pieces, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is one that will always stay with me. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Mary in her cozy kitchen. Mary was a fantastic cook, and I always loved trying out new recipes with her.

On this particular day, Mary was making a traditional Bahamian dish called Chicken Souse. I had never heard of it before, but the delicious aroma wafting from the pot on the stove had my mouth watering. As Mary stirred the pot, she explained to me the history behind the dish.

She told me that Chicken Souse was a staple in Bahamian cuisine, often served at special occasions and family gatherings. The soup was made with chicken, onions, peppers, and a blend of spices that gave it a unique and delicious flavor. Mary had learned the recipe from her grandmother, who had passed it down through generations.

As I watched Mary cook, I was fascinated by the process. She expertly chopped the vegetables, seasoned the chicken, and let it all simmer together in a savory broth. The smell was intoxicating, and I couldn't wait to try a bowl of the finished dish.

When the Chicken Souse was finally ready, Mary ladled out steaming portions into bowls and we sat down at the kitchen table to eat. The first spoonful was like a burst of flavor in my mouth – tangy, spicy, and comforting all at once. I savored every bite, savoring the taste of the dish that had been passed down through generations.

After finishing our meal, I asked Mary for the recipe so that I could try making Chicken Souse at home. She gladly shared it with me, and I made sure to write it down in my old recipe book. From that day on, Chicken Souse became a favorite in my household, a dish that always brought back memories of that warm summer day in Mary's kitchen.

Over the years, I have made Chicken Souse for my family and friends countless times. Each time I prepare the dish, I remember that special day when I learned the recipe from Mary. I have added my own twist to the dish, experimenting with different spices and ingredients to make it my own.

But no matter how many times I make Chicken Souse, it always reminds me of my dear friend Mary and the wonderful memories we shared in her kitchen. The recipe may have come from her grandmother, but it is now a part of my own culinary repertoire, a dish that I will always cherish and pass down to future generations.

And so, whenever I make Chicken Souse, I am not just cooking a meal – I am preserving a tradition, keeping alive the flavors and memories of a bygone era. It is a dish that connects me to my past and to the people who have influenced me along the way. And for that, I am truly grateful.