Sri Lankan Chicken Soup Recipe

Ingredients:

• Chicken (cut into pieces) - 500g (bone-in pieces like thighs or drumsticks work best for flavor)
• Onion - 1 medium, chopped
• Garlic - 4 cloves, minced
• Ginger - 1-inch piece, minced
• Carrot - 1 medium, sliced
• Leeks or Spring onions - 1 stalk, chopped
• Tomato - 1 medium, chopped
• Curry leaves - 1 sprig
• Green chilies - 2–3, sliced
• Cinnamon stick - 1 small piece
• Cloves - 2–3
• Cardamom - 2 pods
• Turmeric powder - ½ tsp
• Curry powder - 1 tsp
• Chili powder - ½ tsp (optional)
• Coconut milk - 1 cup (thin)
• Water - 4–5 cups
• Salt - to taste
• Pepper - to taste
• Coconut oil or vegetable oil - 2 tbsp

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Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Wash and cut the chicken into pieces (preferably with bone for more flavor).

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Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

1. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the cinnamon stick, cloves, cardamom, and curry leaves. Sauté for a minute until the spices release their fragrance.
3. Add the chopped onions, garlic, and ginger. Sauté until the onions are soft and translucent.

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Step 3: Add the Vegetables and Spices

1. Add the chopped carrots, leeks (or spring onions), and tomatoes to the pot. Stir for 2–3 minutes.
2. Add turmeric powder, curry powder, and chili powder (optional). Stir well to coat the vegetables and spices.

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Step 4: Add the Chicken and Broth

1. Add the chicken pieces to the pot. Stir gently to mix everything.
2. Pour in water (about 4–5 cups) and bring it to a boil.
3. Once it begins to boil, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 30–40 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

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Step 5: Add Coconut Milk

1. Once the chicken is tender, add the coconut milk to the soup.
2. Stir well and simmer for another 10 minutes to let the flavors combine.

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Step 6: Final Taste Adjustment

• Taste the soup and adjust salt, pepper, or spices according to your preference.
• For extra flavor, you can add a squeeze of lime or lemon juice just before serving.

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Step 7: Serve

• Serve the chicken soup hot with rice, bread, or even crackers.
• You can garnish with chopped cilantro or fresh spring onions if desired.

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Tips:

• Chicken Type: Bone-in chicken adds more flavor to the broth, but you can also use boneless chicken if preferred.
• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili and green chilies to your preferred spice level.
• Extra Flavor: For a richer taste, you can add a small amount of ghee or butter before serving.

Enjoy your warm, hearty Sri Lankan chicken soup! 🍲🍗🌿