Colombian Chicken Soup: Ajiaco

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 425ºF. Spread thighs out in a large baking dish that holds them in a single layer. Sprinkle with 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and a few grinds of black pepper. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil. Roast in the middle of the oven for 20-25 minutes, until chicken is cooked through. Remove baking dish from oven. Cover with foil and set aside for 10-15 minutes. Shred chicken by hand or by pulling it apart with two forks.

Step 2

In a blender, puree 1 cup of corn with 1 1/2 cups chicken broth. Set aside.

Step 3

Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large dutch oven or soup kettle over medium heat. Add onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes until softened. Pour corn puree to the pot, along with the grated or finely diced baking potatoes, the remaining 3 1/2 cups chicken broth, oregano, thyme and bay leaves. Bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer, cover and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add cubed yukon gold potatoes and sliced carrots to the pot. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes.

Step 4

Add shredded chicken plus any accumulated juices in the baking dish, the remaining cup of corn, cilantro, lime juice, salt, pepper and Tabasco. Simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes or until soup is heated through. Remove bay leaves.

Step 5

Garnish with avocado and capers