Make This Sweet September Corn Soup: Colombian Ajiaco

Here’s a delicious Ajiaco recipe, a traditional Colombian chicken and potato soup, that incorporates sweet September corn to make it even more special:

Ingredients:

• 4 ears of fresh sweet corn, cut into 2-inch rounds
• 2 lbs chicken thighs or breasts (bone-in for more flavor)
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 4-5 medium Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut into thick slices
• 4-5 small red potatoes, cut into quarters
• 1 lb papa criolla (or baby yellow potatoes, if available), whole
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 scallions, chopped
• 2-3 sprigs fresh cilantro
• 1 tsp dried guasca (a traditional herb; if unavailable, you can substitute with dried oregano)
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
• 1 avocado, sliced
• Capers for serving
• Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken: In a large pot, add the chicken, chicken broth, chopped onion, garlic, scallions, cilantro sprigs, and cumin. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for about 30 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked.
2. Remove the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot and set it aside to cool slightly. Shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces, discarding the skin and bones, and reserve for later.
3. Add the Potatoes: To the same pot with the broth, add the Yukon gold, red potatoes, and papa criolla (or baby potatoes), along with the corn rounds. Add the dried guasca (or oregano), salt, and pepper to taste. Simmer the soup for about 30-35 minutes, until the potatoes are tender and the soup thickens slightly. The papa criolla should break down and help thicken the soup.
4. Add the Chicken Back: Once the potatoes are tender, return the shredded chicken to the pot and let it simmer for another 5 minutes to heat through.
5. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, making sure each serving has a good amount of chicken, potatoes, and corn. Top with fresh cilantro, capers, and slices of avocado. Drizzle with heavy cream if desired for added richness.
6. Optional Accompaniments: Serve with rice and lime wedges on the side, or enjoy it on its own as a hearty and flavorful meal.

Enjoy!

Ajiaco is a comforting dish, perfect for chilly September days, and the addition of sweet corn adds a seasonal twist to this classic Colombian soup.