Venezuelan Chicken Soup

Venezuelan Chicken Soup Recipe - Authentic Taste of Venezuela

Region / culture: Venezuela | Servings: 6

Introduction

Venezuelan Chicken Soup, also known as "Sancocho," is a hearty and comforting dish that is popular in Venezuelan cuisine. This soup is packed with flavor and is perfect for warming up on a cold day.

History

Sancocho has its roots in Spanish cuisine, but it has been adapted and transformed over the years to become a beloved dish in Venezuela. It is often served at family gatherings, holidays, and special occasions.

Ingredients

3 liters of water
1 chicken
1 lb (454 g) of meat
2 ribs
2 onions
1 pepper
1 celery and leek
3 large potatoes
1 yuca (cassava)
coriander
3 corn

How to prepare

Put three liters of water in a pan and place it on the stove.
When it starts to boil, add chicken pieces, meat, and 2 ribs.
Add 2 onions (cut into pieces), 1 pepper, celery, and leek.
Let it boil for 1 hour over low heat.
Then add potatoes, yuca, chopped coriander, corn pieces, salt, and pepper to taste.

Variations

Add plantains or sweet potatoes for a sweeter flavor.
Use different types of meat, such as pork or beef, for a different twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To add even more flavor to the soup, you can roast the chicken and meat before adding them to the pot.

- Make sure to skim off any foam that rises to the surface of the soup while it is cooking to ensure a clear broth.

- For a thicker soup, you can mash some of the potatoes and yuca before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Venezuelan Chicken Soup hot with a side of rice or arepas for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Boiling

- Simmering

Ingredient Substitutions

If you can't find yuca, you can substitute with more potatoes or sweet potatoes.

- Any type of meat can be used in place of the chicken and beef.

Make Ahead Tips

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

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the soup with fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime for a pop of color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

This soup pairs well with a side of avocado salad or fried plantains.

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 before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories per serving: 300

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 30g per serving

Fats

Fats: 10g per serving

Proteins

Proteins: 25g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This soup is rich in vitamins A and C, as well as potassium and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains no common allergens.

Summary

This soup is a well-rounded meal that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, as well as essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Venezuelan Chicken Soup is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its rich flavors and hearty ingredients, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Venezuelan Chicken Soup. It was a warm summer day, and I had decided to take a trip to visit my dear friend Maria in Venezuela. Maria was known for her delicious cooking, and she had promised to teach me some of her most treasured recipes during my stay.

As soon as I arrived at Maria's home, I could smell the tantalizing aroma of spices and herbs wafting through the air. Maria greeted me with a warm hug and a bright smile, and then she led me into her cozy kitchen. It was a small space, but it was filled with an array of pots, pans, and utensils, all neatly organized and ready for use.

Maria wasted no time in getting started on the Venezuelan Chicken Soup. She began by chopping up fresh vegetables – onions, garlic, bell peppers, and tomatoes – and sautéing them in a large pot with a generous amount of olive oil. The sound of sizzling vegetables filled the air, and I watched in awe as Maria expertly stirred the mixture with a wooden spoon.

Next, Maria added in chunks of tender chicken breast, along with a splash of chicken broth and a handful of fragrant herbs and spices. She explained that the key to a flavorful Venezuelan Chicken Soup was in the seasoning – a careful balance of cumin, paprika, oregano, and a touch of chili powder for a hint of heat.

As the soup simmered on the stove, Maria shared with me the story of how she had learned to make this traditional Venezuelan dish. She told me that the recipe had been passed down through generations of her family, with each cook adding their own unique touch to the dish. Maria had learned to make the soup from her grandmother, who had learned it from her mother before her, and so on.

I listened intently as Maria recounted the memories of her childhood spent in the kitchen with her grandmother, watching as she prepared meals with love and care. The two of them would spend hours together, chopping, stirring, and tasting, until the kitchen was filled with the rich aromas of simmering stews and baking bread.

Maria's grandmother had always emphasized the importance of using fresh, high-quality ingredients in her cooking. She believed that the secret to a truly delicious dish was in the love and attention that went into preparing it. Maria had taken this lesson to heart, and she made sure to use only the best ingredients in her own cooking.

As the soup finished cooking, Maria ladled out steaming bowls of Venezuelan Chicken Soup for us to enjoy. The broth was rich and flavorful, with tender chunks of chicken and vegetables that had soaked up the savory spices. I took a sip of the soup and was transported back to Maria's childhood kitchen, surrounded by the love and warmth of her family.

I knew that I had stumbled upon a true culinary gem in Maria's Venezuelan Chicken Soup recipe. It was a dish that had been lovingly passed down through generations, each cook adding their own unique twist to the recipe. I felt honored to have been let in on this family secret, and I knew that I would treasure the recipe for years to come.

After finishing our meal, Maria and I sat back in contented silence, savoring the flavors of the soup. As I looked around her kitchen, I felt a sense of gratitude for the opportunity to learn from such a talented and generous cook. I knew that I would always cherish the memories of my time spent in Venezuela, cooking and laughing with Maria.

And as I returned home with Maria's Venezuelan Chicken Soup recipe in hand, I knew that I would continue to share this culinary treasure with my own friends and family. It was a dish that had brought me closer to Maria and her culture, and I was grateful for the experience of learning to make it. The recipe may have originated in Venezuela, but it had found a special place in my heart – a reminder of the power of food to bring people together and create lasting memories.