Mulligatawny soup

Mulligatawny soup

1 h
Get ready to explore Indian cuisine with this recipe for mulligatawny soup. It pairs savoury chicken with an aromatic soup infused with curry and herbs. Complement the rich flavours with steaming, fluffy basmati rice and rustic, crusty bread. It is a must-try for any food enthusiast!
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Instructions

  • Cover the chicken with water and add herbs, vegetables, and spices.
  • Bring the water to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer the chicken for about 1 hour. Turn off the heat and leave the chicken in the soup for about 1 hour.
  • Strain the soup and save it. Pull the chicken apart.
  • Pour oil into a thick-bottomed pot and let it get very hot. Sauté curry powder, onion, garlic, ginger, and salt for about 1 minute.
  • Add 1 litre of the soup and bring to a boil. Add cooking cream, chicken, and chilli (save some for garnish) and bring it back to a boil.
  • Season to taste and sprinkle with fresh coriander and chilli rings.
  • Serve with rice and coarse bread.
Enjoy!
Adjust the thickness

You can adjust the amount of cooking cream used to get the ideal consistency for mulligatawny soup. If you prefer a lighter consistency, reduce the amount of cream. If the soup thickens after cooling, you can restore the desired consistency by adding more water while reheating.

Blooming spices

Sauté the curry powder with onions, garlic, and ginger in hot oil. This process is known as blooming and coaxes out the aromatic oils of spices and forms a flavourful foundation for your soup. Be vigilant with the heat and maintain a continuous stir to evade any risk of scorching.

Use warm cooking cream

To give your mulligatawny soup a velvety feel, gently warm the cooking cream before stirring it into the simmering soup. This stops the cream from curdling and ensures it combines well with the other ingredients, giving you a creamy consistency.

FAQ: Questions about mulligatawny soup

If you want to know more about the mulligatawny soup, we have answered common queries below, sharing insights into its origins and more.

What is mulligatawny soup?
Mulligatawny is a richly flavoured soup from South Indian cuisine that dates back to the 18th century and later included British modifications. The name “Mulligatawny” means “pepper water” in Tamil, reflecting its spicy taste. This soup is typically made from a combination of vegetables, lentils, and chicken or lamb, seasoned with Indian spices like turmeric, cumin, and coriander.
Can I use leftover roast chicken or turkey in mulligatawny soup?
Certainly! Mulligatawny soup is an excellent way to make use of any leftover roast chicken or turkey that you may have. Incorporating these leftovers not only imparts a rich and savoury flavour but also helps minimise food waste.
How should I store and reheat mulligatawny soup?
You can store the mulligatawny soup in the fridge for up to 4–5 days. Alternatively, you have the option to freeze it for up to 3 months. If it thickens during storage, you can easily thin it out by adding some stock or water before reheating. To reheat, warm it in a pot on the stove until it reaches a boiling point. If you have smaller portions, the microwave is also a great option. Remember to stir regularly to ensure that it heats evenly.

Ingredients

Chicken (about 1.3-1.8 kg)
1
Herbs, for example, parsley or thyme
30 g
Onions, quartered
2
Carrots, halved
2
Leeks, large pieces
2
Peppercorns
10
Coarse salt
2 tsp
Olive oil
1 tbsp
Hot curry powder
1½ tbsp
Onions, coarsely chopped (approximately 150 g)
2
Small garlic cloves, finely chopped
3
Fresh ginger, finely chopped
2 tsp
Cooking cream
250 ml
Small red chilli pepper in rings
1
Coarse salt
1 tsp
Fresh coriander
100 ml
To serve
Basmati rice
160 g
Coarse bread
160 g

Cook a creamy mulligatawny soup

Mulligatawny soup is a delightful fusion of Indian and British traditions, combining creamy textures with a bit of spiciness. This recipe is perfect for intimate gatherings with loved ones, offering a rich taste of aromatic curry and fresh herbs. The addition of peppercorns and red chilli provides a lively kick, transforming this soup into a comforting and satisfying meal.

Tender chicken with flavourful herbs, vegetables, and pepper

Cooking the chicken in broth with herbs, vegetables, and peppercorns forms a deep flavour base. The savoury chicken and peppercorns give the soup a layered profile, where each spoonful explores savoury, earthy, and spicy elements. As the soup cooks, the ingredients come together, filling up your kitchen with delightful aromas. Once fully cooked, the tender chicken is removed and shredded, adding mouthwatering, juicy strips of meat to the final dish.

Check out our variety of delicious soup recipes. If you are a fan of chicken, consider trying a flavourful chicken curry soup or a chicken noodle soup. Alternatively, if you prefer beef, ham, or seafood, we have options for you, too. You might enjoy our tasty beef pho soup, ham and lentil soup, or creamy seafood soup.

Smooth and creamy with a warm and spicy allure

The mulligatawny soup owes much of its delectable taste to the combination of curry powder and cooking cream. The curry powder adds a fiery warmth and gives the soup a beautiful golden hue with alluring aromas that delight the palate. The addition of cooking cream introduces a velvety smoothness that balances the spiciness and ensures that you do not get overwhelmed by the curry powder or peppercorns used in the recipe.

Serve a tasty dinner soup with rice and bread

There are no rules that say you cannot enjoy the mulligatawny soup on its own. However, for a full and filling dining experience, we recommend enjoying it with basmati rice and a few slices of bread. The light, fluffy texture of basmati rice absorbs the flavours beautifully, allowing every grain to become a tiny curry-infused delight. Coarse bread brings its rustic charm to the table and is perfect for dipping and sopping up every last bit of the soup, so nothing goes to waste.

Ideas for altering the recipe

If you are looking to add a few of your personal ideas to the recipe, now is the time. We even have a few ideas to get you started. Mulligatawny soup is usually made with chicken, but you can substitute it with turkey or even lamb for more pronounced savoury flavours.

Play around with the spiciness by adjusting the amount of curry powder. Additionally, you can add a smaller or larger number of red chilli pepper rings, depending on your preference. For a more intricate spice profile, experiment with adding ground cumin or sweet smoked paprika to enhance the flavour.

Adding ingredients such as sweet potato or apple has become a popular choice. The sweet potato brings an earthy sweetness, while the apple offers a sweet taste with some mild tart notes, depending on the variety.