Mulligatawny- Chicken Curry Soup is a spicy and flavorful soup that is made with a variety of ingredients, including chicken, vegetables, and spices. This curry chicken stew is a hearty and satisfying meal that is perfect for a cold winter day.
One of the most popular versions of the mulligatawny soup recipe is the chicken curry soup. It is made with tender chicken pieces that are cooked in a fragrant curry broth, which is flavored with a blend of aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric.
History of Mulligatawny
Mulligatawny is a soup that originated in South India during the British colonial era. The name “Mulligatawny” is derived from the Tamil word “milagu-tannir,” which means “pepper water.” The original recipe consisted of a simple broth made with chicken or lamb, flavored with a blend of spices such as curry powder, cumin, coriander, and turmeric.
Over time, the recipe evolved to include additional ingredients such as vegetables, lentils, and rice. Today, Mulligatawny is typically made with chicken, vegetables, and coconut milk, and is often served with rice or naan bread. Mulligatawny has become a popular dish in many parts of the world and is often served in Indian restaurants. Its unique blend of spices and flavors makes it a favorite among soup lovers, and its rich history adds to its appeal.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Soup Recipe
- Easy to make: This recipe is simple and straightforward, making it perfect for novice cooks. The ingredients are easy to find at your local grocery store, and the steps are easy to follow.
- Packed with flavor: Mulligatawny is a complex soup that is bursting with flavor. The spices used in this recipe create a rich and aromatic broth that is perfect for warming you up on a cold day.
- It’s healthy: This soup is packed with nutritious ingredients, including chicken, vegetables, and spices. It’s a great way to get your daily dose of vitamins and minerals while also enjoying a delicious meal.
Serving Suggestions for Curry Stew
Mulligatawny soup is a hearty dish that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a variety of accompaniments. Here are some suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
- Naan bread or pita bread: Warm, freshly-baked bread is perfect for dipping into the soup and sopping up the flavorful broth.
- Basmati rice: Serve a small bowl of steamed rice on the side for a more filling meal.
- Chutney: A dollop of sweet or spicy chutney can add a tangy contrast to the rich soup.
- Yogurt: A spoonful of plain yogurt can help cool down the heat of the curry and add a creamy texture.
Chicken Mulligatawny Soup Ingredients
Olive oil: You need 2 TBSP of oil to cook the fruits and veggies when sauteing them.
Onion: Use 1 medium-sized white onion that has been finely chopped to add amazing flavor to this dish.
Celery: You will also need 1 stalk of celery, thinly sliced, to add healthy antioxidants.
Carrots: For more nutrition and a pop of color, add in 2 large carrots that have been peeled and chopped into small pieces.
Green pepper: Adding 1 cored and diced green pepper will add a lot of flavor to this stew.
Apples: You will need 2 apples, peeled, cored and diced into chunks. I used Fuji but you can use any that you have on hand.
Raisins: ½ cup of golden raisins will add a nice bit of sweetness to the dish.
Tomatoes: For more great flavor, you will want to use one 14.5-ounce can of diced tomatoes.
Chicken: Add in 3 cups of cooked and shredded chicken. I used two breasts off a rotisserie chicken to make the prep easier.
Thickening agents: You need ½ cup of flour and 1 TBSP of cornstarch to get the stew to thicken.
Curry powder: Use 2-3 tsp of curry powder for added flavor to this recipe.
Broth: 5 cups of chicken broth, equal to three 14.5-ounce cans, is the base of this stew.
Salt and pepper: These will be added to taste, meaning that you will add as much or as little as you want.
Rice: You’ll want about 2 cups of cooked white rice to serve this curry stew over.
How to make Sweet Chicken & Vegetable Curry Stew
Prep
To begin, prepare all the fruits and vegetables. The onion, celery, carrots, green pepper, and apples need to be cored, peeled, chopped, and diced. Getting all these ingredients ready ahead of time means the assembly and cooking process will go much smoother.
You also need the chicken cooked and shredded, give this easy recipe for shredded chicken a try. Or to simplify this step, use a rotisserie chicken.
Assemble & cook
Now, start heating the oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Then add the onion, celery, carrots, green pepper, raisins and apple and sauté for about 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine the flour, curry powder, and corn starch.
After 15 minutes, add the flour mixture to the pot and mix well. Begin adding in chicken broth, one can at a time, stirring well to incorporate the flour/curry mixture between cans.
Next, add in the cooked chicken and can of tomatoes.
Simmer & serve
Proceed to cover the pot and simmer on low heat for an hour.
While the soup is simmering, prepare the rice according to the package directions.
When ready to serve, fill a soup bowl about halfway with hot rice, then ladle the Mulligatawny over the top and enjoy!
Variations of Mulligatawny Soup
Mulligatawny soup is a flavorful dish with a rich history. This soup originated in India, where it was made with a variety of ingredients, including chicken, vegetables, and spices. Over the years, the recipe for Mulligatawny soup has evolved, and there are now many different variations of this delicious soup.
Vegetarian: Vegetarian Mulligatawny soup is a popular variation of this dish. Instead of chicken, this soup is made with a variety of vegetables, including carrots, potatoes, and onions. The vegetables are sautéed in a pan with curry powder, cumin, and other spices before being added to the soup. This soup is typically served with rice or naan bread.
Seafood: Seafood Mulligatawny soup is another popular variation of this dish. This soup is made with a variety of seafood, including shrimp, scallops, and fish. The seafood is sautéed in a pan with curry powder, cumin, and other spices before being added to the soup. This soup is typically served with rice or naan bread.
Mulligatawny Soup
Ingredients
- 2 TBSP olive oil
- 1 onion medium sized , chopped fine
- 1 celery stalk sliced fine
- 2 carrots medium sized , sliced
- 1 green pepper cored and diced
- 2 apples peeled, cored and diced
- ¼ cup golden raisins
- 3 cups cooked diced chicken about 2 chicken breasts
- ½ cup flour
- 1 TBSP cornstarch
- 2-3 tsp curry powder
- 5 cups chicken broth three 15 oz cans
- 14.5 oz diced tomatoes
- salt & pepper to taste
- 2 cups hot cooked rice
Instructions
- Prep: Prepare all the fruits and vegetables. The onion, celery, carrots, green pepper, and apples need to be cored, peeled, chopped, and diced.
- You also need the chicken cooked and shredded, give this easy recipe for shredded chicken a try. Or to simplify this step, use rotisserie chicken.
- Assemble & cook: Start heating the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, carrots, green pepper, raisins and apple and sauté for about 15 minutes.
- In a small bowl, combine the flour, curry powder, and cornstarch.
- After 15 minutes, add the flour mixture to the pot and mix well. Begin adding in chicken broth, one can at a time, stirring well to incorporate the flour/curry mixture between cans.
- Add in the cooked chicken and can of tomatoes.
- Simmer & serve: Cover the pot and simmer on low heat for an hour.
- While the soup is simmering, prepare the rice according to the package directions. When ready to serve, fill a soup bowl about halfway with hot rice, then ladle the Mulligatawny over the top and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
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Do you Stir the Rice into Mulligatawny?
I’ve had other versions of this where the rice is added to the soup mixture and stirred in. You can do this if you’d like, but I prefer to have more control over the rice-soup ratio by adding it separately. Either way, this soup tastes delicious!
What is Mulligatawny soup made from?
Mulligatawny is a flavorful food combining multiple cultures into one dish. This soup usually has a base of chicken, vegetables, apples, and rice. Since coming from Sri Lakan, this dish has taken on multiple ingredients and twists.
How long is Mulligatawny good for?
Mulligatawny soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply heat it up on the stove or in the microwave until it’s hot.
Can I freeze Mulligatawny?
Yes and no. This soup can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 3 months assuming that you didn’t add any rice into the stew mixture. If you added rice to it, then I do not recommend freezing the soup. The rice will expand and make the soup into a starchy mess as it thaws and reheats.
More Soups and Stews Recipes To Try:
- LASAGNA SOUP
- SLOW COOKER FRENCH ONION SOUP
- OLIVE GARDEN CHICKEN GNOCCHI SOUP
- CREAMY TOMATO SOUP WITH TORTELLINI
- SLOW COOKER PIZZA SOUP
- CHICKEN ALFREDO SOUP
- EASY PUMPKIN SOUP
- CHICKEN TORTILLA SOUP
- THREE CHEESE SOUP
- 20 MINUTE LOADED BAKED POTATO SOUP
- SLOW COOKER CREAMY CHICKEN ENCHILADA SOUP
- GERMAN SAUSAGE SOUP
This Mulligatawny sweet chicken and vegetable curry stew recipe is a delicious fashion of veggies, chicken, rice and more. Packed with so much flavor in every bite, this dish is sure to become a family favorite!
Jeni IGOTTHISMARTHA says
I love curry, and this sounds very good!
Susan Zentmyer says
This looks just delicious! I’d love for you to bring this to Tuesday’s Table over at Love in the Kitchen (http://zentmrs.blogspot.com/2013/04/tuesdays-table-for-april-23-2013-and.html)!
Charlene@APinchofJoy says
Had this at a restaurant and loved it! Pinned and looking forward to making it. thanks so much for sharing on busy Monday! <br /><br /><a href="http://www.apinchofjoy.com" rel="nofollow">A Pinch of Joy/</a>
Ericka Breedlove says
This recipe sounds wonderful! Thanks for sharing on Foodie Friends Friday!
Lisa says
This looks so good! Thanks so much for linking up with "Try a New Recipe Tuesday!" I hope you will be able to join us again this week. 🙂
Amber Brady says
I made this soup all the time at a cafeteria I worked in. So good! Thanks for sharing at Sweet & Savory Saturdays #10!<br /><br />~Amber @ Dessert Now, Dinner Later!<br />http://dessertnowdinnerlater.blogspot.com
Ruthie Knudsen says
I just love a hearty soup… with fresh bread! heaven. Thanks so much for coming to share at Super Saturday Show & Tell last week… I hope you'll come back to party with me again tomorrow! http://www.whatscookingwithruthie.com Have a great night! xoxo~ Ruthie
Nancy says
I’ve made this recipe several times since discovering this winner! Yum yum yum. I made it just as recipe states, choosing 4 tsp of curry for the extra kick. We like the Jasmine rice on the side and portion that individually. Looking forward to trying the coconut chicken curry soon.
Alison says
Thanks for sharing Nancy! Glad you have enjoyed it!