Nourishing Jamaican Chicken Soup

Certainly! Here’s a delicious and nourishing Jamaican Chicken Soup recipe, packed with hearty flavors and wholesome ingredients. This soup is often enjoyed as a comforting remedy or a hearty meal.

Jamaican Chicken Soup Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 lbs), cut into pieces (or 2-3 lbs chicken thighs/drumsticks)
• 1 cup pumpkin (chopped) or butternut squash
• 2 large carrots (chopped)
• 2 stalks scallion (chopped)
• 2 sprigs thyme
• 1 Scotch bonnet pepper (whole, for flavor—optional for heat)
• 1 medium onion (chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tsp ginger (grated)
• 1 tsp pimento seeds (allspice)
• 1 cup yellow yam (diced)
• 1 cup cho-cho (chayote) or potato (diced)
• 1 cup corn (cut into chunks)
• ½ cup spinners (Jamaican dumplings, optional—see below)
• 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 8 cups water (or enough to cover ingredients)
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil

For Spinners (Dumplings – Optional):

• 1 cup flour
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ cup water (adjust as needed)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

• Season chicken with salt, black pepper, garlic, ginger, and thyme. Let marinate for 30 minutes (optional).
• In a large pot, heat oil over medium heat. Sauté onion, scallion, and garlic until fragrant.
• Add chicken pieces and brown lightly (about 5 minutes).

1. Add Liquids & Seasonings:

• Pour in water, then add pimento seeds, Scotch bonnet pepper (whole, do not burst for mild heat), and thyme.
• Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 30 minutes.

1. Add Vegetables:

• Add pumpkin, yam, cho-cho (or potato), carrots, and corn. Simmer for another 15-20 minutes until vegetables are tender.

1. Make Spinners (Dumplings – Optional):

• Mix flour, salt, and water to form a stiff dough.
• Roll small pieces between palms to form thin, spindle-shaped dumplings.
• Drop into the soup and cook for 5-7 minutes until they float.

1. Final Adjustments:

• Remove Scotch bonnet pepper if you prefer less heat.
• Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
• Soup should be thick and hearty—add more water if needed.

1. Serve Hot:

• Enjoy with a slice of Jamaican hard dough bread or crackers.

ENJOY ❤️