### Chicken Mulligatawny Soup Recipe: A Flavorful and Hearty Winter Delight
Chicken mulligatawny is a comforting and aromatic soup from South India that combines tender chicken with a blend of spices in a tangy tamarind broth. This recipe will guide you through making this delightful dish, perfect for chilly evenings.
#### Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or ghee
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch fresh ginger, grated
- 2 medium tomatoes, roughly chopped
- 1 small potato, peeled and diced (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 green cardamom pods
- 5 green chilies, slit lengthwise (adjust according to spice preference)
- A few strands of saffron (optional for color)
- Salt to taste
- Juice of 3 tamarind limes or 1/4 cup tamarind paste
- 2 cups water
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- Coriander leaves, chopped (for garnish)
#### Instructions:
##### Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Broth
1. **Chop the Chicken:** Cut the chicken breasts or thighs into bite-sized pieces.
2. **Simmer the Chicken:** Place the chicken in a pot with vegetable broth. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat, cover, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes until the meat is tender.
2. **Blend Vegetables:** Use an immersion blender to blend the vegetables until you achieve a smooth consistency.
##### Step 4: Combine Chicken and Spices
1. **Add Broth and Tomato Paste:** Pour in the simmered chicken broth with the cooked chicken pieces. Stir in tomato paste, salt, and enough water to reach desired consistency.
2. **Simmer Together:** Bring everything to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
##### Step 5: Finish the Soup
1. **Add Tamarind Juice/Paste:** Mix tamarind juice or paste into the soup gently. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
2. **Garnish and Serve:** Sprinkle chopped coriander leaves over each bowl of hot mulligatawny for a fresh finish.
#### Tips:
- For extra depth, soak saffron threads in hot water before adding to the soup.
- If you prefer a creamier texture, blend some of the cooked chicken with vegetables and add it back to the pot.
- Serve with crusty bread or naan for dipping into the flavorful broth.
Enjoy your homemade Chicken Mulligatawny Soup! This dish not only warms up the body but also tantalizes the taste buds. Perfect for a cozy dinner night or a hearty lunch, this soup is sure to become a family favorite.