Ghanan Chicken Vegetable Soup

Ghanaian Chicken Vegetable Soup Recipe - Authentic & Delicious

Region / culture: Ghana | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 35 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Ghanan Chicken Vegetable Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. This traditional Ghanaian recipe is packed with protein and vegetables, making it a nutritious and satisfying meal.

History

This recipe has been passed down through generations in Ghana, where it is a popular comfort food. The combination of chicken, vegetables, and spices creates a delicious and aromatic soup that is loved by many.

Ingredients

3 lb (1.36 kg) of cubed chicken
1 cup of white beans
1 large onion, chopped
1 medium bell pepper, chopped
2 qt (1.89 liters) of chicken broth
0.5 tsp of pepper
1 tbsp of salt
0.5 tsp of crushed red pepper
2 cans of chopped tomatoes
1 large eggplant, cubed

How to prepare

In a pot, combine chicken, peas, onions, peppers, broth, salt, pepper, and red pepper.
Simmer for 20 minutes.
Add tomatoes and eggplant. Simmer for 15 minutes. Serve.

Variations

Add coconut milk for a creamy twist.
Use different vegetables such as zucchini or spinach.
Try using different spices such as curry powder or cumin for a unique flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to simmer the soup slowly to allow the flavors to meld together.

- Feel free to adjust the amount of spices to suit your taste preferences.

- You can add other vegetables such as carrots or okra for added nutrition and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Ghanan Chicken Vegetable Soup with a side of rice or crusty bread for a complete meal. Garnish with fresh herbs such as cilantro or parsley for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Simmer the soup slowly to allow the flavors to develop.

- Be sure to stir the soup occasionally to prevent sticking.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use chicken thighs or drumsticks instead of cubed chicken breast.

- Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian option.

Make Ahead Tips

Ghanan Chicken Vegetable 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

Serve Ghanan Chicken Vegetable Soup in a large bowl and garnish with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Ghanan Chicken Vegetable Soup with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete and balanced 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 25 grams of carbohydrates per serving.

Fats

This recipe contains approximately 10 grams of fat per serving.

Proteins

This recipe contains approximately 30 grams of protein per serving.

Vitamins and minerals

Ghanan Chicken Vegetable Soup is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains no common allergens, but be sure to check the ingredients for any specific allergens that may affect you.

Summary

Ghanan Chicken Vegetable Soup is a nutritious and balanced meal that is rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals. It is a great option for a healthy and satisfying dinner.

Summary

Ghanan Chicken Vegetable Soup is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. Packed with protein, vegetables, and spices, this traditional Ghanaian recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the excitement that washed over me when I first saw this recipe for Ghanan Chicken Vegetable Soup. It was a cold winter day, and I was visiting my friend Sarah who had just returned from a trip to Ghana. She was raving about the delicious food she had tried there, and she was eager to share one of her favorite recipes with me.

As she handed me the recipe card, I could see the handwritten notes and smudges of spices that had been lovingly added over time. The ingredients were a mix of familiar and exotic items – tomatoes, peppers, onions, and plantains, but also palm nut oil, groundnut paste, and okra. I was intrigued by the combination of flavors and couldn't wait to try it out in my own kitchen.

Sarah explained to me how she had learned to make the soup from a local woman in a small village in Ghana. She had spent hours watching her chop, season, and stir the pot over an open flame, and she had absorbed every detail of the process. The woman had welcomed her into her home and taught her the traditional recipe with patience and kindness, passing down a piece of her culture and heritage to Sarah.

I felt honored to have this recipe in my hands, knowing that it had traveled all the way from Ghana to my kitchen in a small town in America. I could almost taste the warmth and richness of the soup just by reading through the instructions. I knew that this would be a dish that I would cherish and pass down to future generations.

I gathered the ingredients and set to work, following the recipe step by step. I chopped the vegetables, marinated the chicken, and simmered the soup slowly to allow the flavors to meld together. The aroma that filled my kitchen was intoxicating – a mix of spices, herbs, and the earthy scent of palm nut oil.

As I tasted the soup for the first time, I was transported to a faraway land, imagining the bustling markets, the vibrant colors, and the sounds of laughter and music. The flavors were bold and complex, with a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy notes. Each spoonful was a journey in itself, a taste of a culture and a history that I had never experienced before.

I shared the soup with my family, and they were amazed by the depth of flavors and the richness of the dish. They asked me where I had learned to make it, and I told them the story of Sarah and the kind woman from Ghana who had shared her recipe with us. They were touched by the connection between food and friendship, and they savored each bite with a newfound appreciation for the world beyond our borders.

Since that day, Ghanan Chicken Vegetable Soup has become a staple in our home, a dish that we prepare for special occasions and family gatherings. I have added my own twists and variations to the recipe, experimenting with different spices and ingredients to make it my own. But the heart of the dish remains the same – a tribute to the generosity and hospitality of the people of Ghana, who welcomed me into their culture with open arms.

I am grateful for the opportunity to learn this recipe and to share it with my loved ones. It is a reminder of the power of food to bring people together, to bridge gaps and build connections across cultures and continents. Every time I make Ghanan Chicken Vegetable Soup, I am reminded of the warmth and love that went into creating it, and I am filled with gratitude for the experiences and memories that have shaped me as a cook and a person.