Ajiaco Bogotano (Chicken and Potato Soup, Bogota Style)

threeovens's Note:

Ajiaco is a typical dish in Colombia. It has a lot of potatoes since Bogota is in the mountains and potatoes are plentiful. This recipe calls for yucca which can be found in the produce section or frozen (Goya). If you cannot find it, just use Yukon gold potatoes, both will all but disintegrate and thicken the broth. Corn on the cob is cut into 1 inch rounds and thrown into the soup. They are easier to cut if you rotate the corn, eventually the cob will break. Once you remove the cover, you'll get a burst of sweet corn aroma. An avocado half is served either on the side, so you can take a spoonful of avocado and dip it in the soup.

• Total Time: 40 mins
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 30 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 6

• 1 ½ lbs chicken thighs (4 thighs)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 lb potato , cut into large dice
• ¾ lb yucca root or ¾ lb yukon gold potato , cut into large dice
• 1 ear of corn , cut into 1 inch rounds
• 4 cups chicken stock (try Bold Rotisserie Chicken Flavor)
• 1 medium onion , chopped
• 3 garlic cloves , minced
• 1 cup water
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon capers (heaping)
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• salt & freshly ground black pepper
• cilantro , for garnish (optional)

Directions:

1. In a large skillet, brown chicken (seasoned with salt and pepper) in oil then add to Dutch oven or pressure cooker.
2. Put potatoes, yucca and corn in pot and season with salt and pepper and cayenne, if using; pour chicken stock into pot.
3. Meanwhile, cook onions and garlic in skillet until onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
4. Pour in 1 cup water and loosen the bits stuck to the bottom; pour all into pot.
5. Cover pot and cook over medium heat 40 minutes for Dutch oven and 30 minutes in pressure cooker (you will have to lower the heat to low once the pressure is built up in the pressure cooker).
6. Once done, taste for seasoning, stir in cream, capers, and cilantro, if desired.
7. Ladle into bowls and serve with an avocado on the side.

Reviews

[Gracielagata]

this is AWESOME! i have never had it before. and was thinking for its simplicity it would be plain, as i love spice. but it isnt. perfect for my non spice liking 7 year old too! thanks!

[AllergyGirl]

My dad grew up in Colombia and when we were growing up he used to make this every New Year's Eve. I made this this weekend, and it was just as I remember it! Thanks for sharing.

[jrusk]

Thank you for posting an authentic recipe! Years ago, I lived in Popayan for a summer and to this day it was one of the best times of my life. I'm still addicted to the food and I'm so delighted to find a real Colombian recipe. There are very few on here. I'll be trying all of yours at some time or another. This is delicious and re-heats with no problems. Cilantro is a must but I left out the capers b/c I don't like them. Please post more recipes :)