American•comfort

Ajiaco Bogotano (Potato Soup with Corn, Chicken & Capers)

Ajiaco Bogotano features three kinds of potatoes, which add body, color and flavor to the soup.

Ingredients

Quantities are shown as originally provided.

3 pounds bone-in chicken breasts, skin removed
2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch-thick rounds
1.5 pounds large Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch-thick rounds
1 pound gold creamer potatoes or baby yellow potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch-thick rounds
4 large scallions, trimmed
3 cloves garlic, smashed
3 fresh cilantro stems
1.75 teaspoons kosher salt
0.5 teaspoon ground pepper
0.5 cup dried guascas or 1 bunch fresh
2 ears corn, husked and cut into 4 pieces
8 teaspoons heavy cream
8 teaspoons capers, rinsed
2 ripe avocados, sliced

1
Combine chicken, potatoes, scallions, garlic, cilantro, salt and pepper in a large pot. Add cold water to cover. Bring to a simmer over high heat. Reduce heat to maintain a simmer and cook, skimming any foam that rises to the top, until the chicken is cooked through, 30 to 40 minutes. Using tongs, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside to cool. Discard the scallions and cilantro.
2
Continue simmering the soup, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes have started to dissolve, 50 to 60 minutes more. Add guascas and continue cooking until the consistency is thick and creamy but still has some chunks of potato, about 10 minutes more.
3
Meanwhile, bring a medium pot of water to a boil over high heat. Add corn and return to a boil. Cover, turn off heat and let stand for 10 minutes.
4
When the chicken is cool enough to handle, shred into large pieces. Serve the soup topped with the chicken and corn, cream, capers and avocado.