Ajiaco is one of the most representative dishes in Latin American cuisine, especially in countries like Cuba, Chile, Peru, and Colombia. While it has various preparation methods, it remains a dish deeply rooted in Hispanic culture. In Colombia, Ajiaco Santafereño is a typical soup from Bogotá, the capital. Unlike other countries where Ajiaco includes ingredients like beef, roasted meat, pumpkin, or even chili (as in Venezuela), the Colombian version features chicken as the key component, making it one of the most delicious Ajiacos in the world.
Get ready because not only will we teach you how to prepare this iconic dish from Bogotá, but we’ll also tell you where to find it if you’re visiting the city.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups of water (1 cup per serving)
- Guasca leaves
- 1 pound of skinless chicken breast
- Avocado
- Garlic
- Salt
- Green onion and white onion
- Corn on the cob
- ½ or ¼ pound of criolla potatoes, washed and peeled if preferred
- ½ or ¼ pound of sabanera potatoes, washed and peeled if preferred
- ½ or ¼ pound of pastusa potatoes, washed and peeled if preferred
- Heavy cream
- Capers
- ½ or ¼ pound of arracacha (a root vegetable)
- Pre-cooked rice
Step-by-Step Preparation:
- Prepare the Broth:
- In a large pot, add the cups of water, a pinch of salt, and the chicken breast. Cook the chicken on high heat, gradually adding chopped onion and garlic, along with the sliced potatoes and arracacha. Continue cooking on high heat until the chicken and potatoes are fully cooked.
- Shred the Chicken:
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot and let it cool before shredding. If you like, you can keep the bones to add back to the soup for extra flavor.
- Cook the Soup:
- As the broth continues to cook, add the guasca leaves and let them simmer for a maximum of 5 minutes until the potatoes start to break down.
- Add the Corn and Serve:
- Once the soup is ready, add the corn on the cob and serve. Top the soup with the shredded chicken. On a separate plate, serve the rice, avocado, heavy cream, and capers.
And there you have it—a delicious Ajiaco Santafereño for four, made by you!
Where to Find a Great Ajiaco Santafereño in Bogotá
If you’re visiting Bogotá and want to try this delicious dish, here are three places you shouldn’t miss:
- Casa Mamá Luz: Here you can find the famous traditional cook Luz Dary Cogollo, winner of the best Ajiaco award in 2019 in Bogotá. Located in downtown Bogotá (Calle 10 #2-23), you can enjoy a wide variety of Colombian dishes, including the delicious Ajiaco Santafereño.
- Casa Vieja: A restaurant with over 50 years of history, dedicated exclusively to Colombian cuisine. The Ajiaco here is one of the most popular dishes, making it the perfect place to try it. Located in the city center: Avenida Jiménez # 3-57.
- Restaurante Cuatro Cocina Casual: Located in the Virrey neighborhood, at Carrera 15 # 88-36, this is one of the best restaurants to try Ajiaco Santafereño. In addition to enjoying a wide menu, the ambiance and service make visiting this restaurant a truly pleasant experience.
Don’t miss the opportunity to try this signature dish of Bogotá’s culinary tradition.
