This typical soup from Bogotá is a very comforting meal especially on a chilly day. Dry guascas leaves, an aromatic herb with rough green leaves and typical of the Andean region, lend its unique flavor to this soup. Its aroma will have everyone waiting impatiently at the table. Look for guascas at a Colombian "bodega" (neighborhood store).

Ajiaco Soup

3 pounds chicken thighs, skin removed
6 cups water
1 large onion, chopped
2 large stalks celery, chopped
1/4 cup MAGGI Granulated Chicken Flavor Bouillon
2 teaspoons dried guascas or thyme leaves
1 1/2 pounds mixed potatoes (red, russet and yellow), peeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
2 ears of corn, cut into 1-inch slices
1 tablespoon lime juice
1/2 cup NESTLÉ Media Crema
Accompaniments: NESTLÉ Media Crema, chopped avocado and capers

1. Place chicken, water, onion, celery, bouillon and guascas in large saucepan or Dutch oven. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low; cover. Cook for 30 minutes.
2. Remove chicken to cool. Add potatoes to broth; cover. Cook for 40 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Mash some of the potatoes in pan with potato masher.
3. Remove chicken meat from bones and return to pan. Add corn and lime juice; cook, uncovered, for 5 to 10 minutes or until thickened. Stir in 1/2 cup media crema. Serve with media crema, avocado and capers.

Makes 6 to 8 servings.

Estimated Times
Preparation Time: 15 mins
Cooking Time: 1 hr 20 mins

Recipe and photograph are the property of Nestlé® and Meals.com, used with permission.