Chicken Soup In Urdu Recipe

Chicken soup is one of those timeless dishes that can comfort you in almost any situation. Whether you’re feeling under the weather, need a quick dinner, or are just craving something hearty and flavorful, this dish is always a reliable choice. The beauty of chicken soup lies in its simplicity; it’s a perfect combination of tender chicken, aromatic vegetables, and a flavorful broth that is as nourishing for the soul as it is for the body.

In this guide, we’re diving deep into a Chicken Soup recipe, but with a twist-this one comes in the beloved style of Urdu-speaking cuisine, giving it a distinct, homely flavor profile. The chicken soup in Urdu (or Pakistani) homes is often more robust, layered with spices, and infused with rich, fragrant herbs. It’s a warm hug in a bowl, one that brings people together and fills homes with delicious smells.

If you’re looking to recreate this comforting, soul-satisfying soup, then stick around as we walk through the recipe, step by step, with some valuable tips and variations to personalize it just the way you like.

The traditional chicken soup recipe in Urdu cuisine, particularly within the subcontinent, blends the flavors of chicken, vegetables, and spices seamlessly. It’s a beautiful balance between warmth, flavor, and nutritional benefits. The key is to cook the chicken just right so it’s tender and infused with all those wonderful aromatic spices.

Let’s get into the recipe, shall we?

Ingredients Needed

Here’s what you’ll need to prepare your chicken soup in the traditional Urdu style:

Chicken (preferably on the bone) – 500g
Onion – 1 large, finely chopped
Garlic cloves – 3-4, minced or crushed
Ginger – 1-inch piece, finely grated
Tomatoes – 2 medium-sized, chopped
Green chilies – 2, slit lengthwise
Carrots – 1 medium, peeled and diced
Celery – 1 stalk, chopped (optional but adds a nice flavor)
Coriander leaves – A handful, finely chopped
Salt – To taste
Black pepper – 1 tsp (adjust based on spice preference)
Turmeric powder – 1/2 tsp
Cumin powder – 1 tsp
Coriander powder – 1 tsp
Cloves – 2-3 (for an aromatic broth)
Bay leaves – 1-2
Cinnamon stick – 1-inch piece
Water – 5-6 cups (for a nice, rich broth)
Lemon juice – 1 tbsp (adds a zesty, refreshing touch)
Oil (vegetable or ghee) – 2 tbsp (for sautéing)

Cooking Instructions

Now that we have everything ready, let’s move on to the cooking process. This recipe involves a two-stage process: first, preparing the chicken broth, and then adding the vegetables and finishing off with the spices and seasoning. Here’s how to do it:

Prepare The Chicken Broth
- In a large pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the whole chicken pieces (preferably bone-in) and sear them for a few minutes until they turn golden brown. This step adds depth of flavor to your broth.
- Add the finely chopped onions, ginger, and garlic to the pot. Stir and sauté until the onions soften and turn translucent.
- Toss in the tomatoes, green chilies, and spices like turmeric, cumin, and coriander powder. Let this simmer for a couple of minutes until the tomatoes soften and blend with the spices.
- Add water to the pot and bring it to a gentle boil. Once it boils, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 45 minutes to an hour. During this time, the chicken will cook through and release all its flavors into the broth.
Strain The Broth
- Once the chicken is tender, carefully remove the chicken pieces and set them aside. Strain the broth through a fine sieve into a clean pot to remove any solids (like bones and spice remnants). You should now have a flavorful, aromatic chicken broth.
Add The Vegetables
- Return the strained broth to the stove and bring it to a simmer. Add the carrots, celery, and any other vegetables you want to include. Let them cook for about 15-20 minutes until they are tender.
- While the vegetables are cooking, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces, discarding any bones. Add the shredded chicken back into the soup.
Final Touches
- Season the soup with salt, pepper, and adjust the spice levels as needed. Add the cinnamon stick, bay leaves, and cloves. Let the soup simmer for another 10-15 minutes to allow the spices to infuse further.
- Finally, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten up the flavors, and garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves before serving.

Ingredient Insights

Let’s dive into some of the key ingredients and why they matter in this soup:

Chicken: Chicken on the bone is ideal for this soup because it releases more flavor into the broth. The marrow and the skin add richness to the liquid.
Ginger and Garlic: These two ingredients form the flavor base of many South Asian dishes. They add warmth and an aromatic undertone that makes the soup so comforting.
Spices (Cumin, Coriander, and Turmeric): The spices bring in earthy, warm, and slightly pungent flavors that are characteristic of Urdu-style chicken soup. They not only enhance the taste but also add numerous health benefits, like anti-inflammatory properties.
Lemon Juice: This is the finishing touch that adds brightness and acidity to balance the richness of the broth.
Coriander leaves: They are used as a garnish and infuse a fresh, herbaceous flavor that contrasts beautifully with the savory broth.

Expert Tips

Broth Quality: The secret to a truly flavorful chicken soup lies in the broth. If you can, simmer the broth for a longer time-this helps develop a deeper flavor profile.
Chicken Skin: For an even richer broth, keep the skin on your chicken pieces while cooking. Once done, you can remove the skin before serving, but it adds that extra layer of flavor.
Spice Levels: Adjust the number of green chilies according to your spice tolerance. You can also skip the chilies if you prefer a milder version, but they add an authentic touch.
Vegetable Add-ins: Feel free to experiment with other vegetables like peas, potatoes, or corn. Each addition can lend a new twist to the classic recipe.
For Clearer Soup: If you want a clearer broth, skim off any impurities that float to the top as the soup simmers.

Recipe Variations

Creamy Chicken Soup: If you prefer a creamier texture, you can add a splash of fresh cream or blend a portion of the soup with a hand blender. This will thicken it and make it velvety.
Spicy Chicken Soup: For those who like it hot, try adding extra green chilies or a touch of chili powder to the soup. You can also use Kashmiri red chili for a smoky flavor.
Herb Twist: To change things up, you can add fresh herbs like thyme, parsley, or bay leaves to the broth while it simmers. These herbs will add a refreshing twist.
Chicken and Noodles Soup: If you love noodles in your soup, you can add some cooked spaghetti, egg noodles, or even traditional desi vermicelli (seviyan) for a more filling dish.

Final Words

Chicken soup is the ultimate comfort food, and when made in the Urdu style, it has layers of warmth and flavor that make it even more special. Whether you’re using it as a remedy for a cold, a soothing meal after a long day, or a simple yet hearty dish for the family, this chicken soup recipe will surely become a household favorite.

Chicken Soup In Urdu Recipe