What is the secret ingredient in soup?

The secret ingredient in this Jamaican chicken soup recipe is the combination of allspice berries and Scotch bonnet pepper. Allspice offers a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the heat and fruitiness of the pepper. Coconut milk, while optional, adds a creamy texture and balances the spiciness.

How to thicken Caribbean soup?

Caribbean soups often rely on starchy vegetables like yam and pumpkin for natural thickening. These ingredients break down as they cook, creating a creamy base. To enhance the effect, you can mash some of the vegetables directly in the pot. For a heartier option, add extra dumplings or blend a portion of the soup.

Do you cook the chicken before putting it in soup?

Yes, simmering the chicken before adding other ingredients is essential for this recipe. This step not only ensures the chicken is fully cooked but also creates a flavorful base for the broth. Cooking the chicken with thyme and allspice infuses it with aromatic flavors.

Why do you put vinegar in chicken soup?

Vinegar plays a dual role in chicken soup. It helps tenderize the chicken, making it more succulent, and balances the flavors of the dish. A small splash of apple cider vinegar enhances the soup’s complexity without overpowering it.

Which vinegar is best for soup?

Apple cider vinegar is the best choice for this recipe due to its mild acidity and subtle sweetness. White vinegar can also work, though it has a sharper taste. If you prefer a unique twist, try rice vinegar for a light, slightly floral note.

Should you add lemon juice to chicken soup?

Lemon juice adds brightness and enhances the flavors of the soup, particularly when added just before serving. Its acidity complements the rich broth and helps cut through the heaviness of starchy ingredients like yam and dumplings.

Authentic Jamaican Chicken Soup Recipe For Every Occasion

Name: Jamaican Chicken Soup Recipe: A Comforting Caribbean Classic
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: Jamaican
Ingredients: Chicken (bone-in pieces) – 1 lb (drumsticks, thighs, or whole pieces); Yellow yam – 2 cups (peeled and cubed); Pumpkin – 2 cups (diced or grated); Carrots – 2 (thinly sliced); Scotch bonnet pepper – 1 (whole); Dumplings – 6-8 (see instructions below); Allspice berries – 6-8; Thyme – 2 sprigs; Coconut milk (optional) – 1 cup; Water or chicken stock – 8 cups

Description

Jamaican Chicken Soup is a comforting Caribbean classic that combines tender chicken, hearty yellow yam, and vibrant vegetables like pumpkin and carrots. Infused with the bold flavors of thyme, allspice, and Scotch bonnet pepper, this soup delivers a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and spicy. Whether you enjoy it as a soul-warming meal on a chilly day or as a taste of tropical tradition, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Optional coconut milk adds a creamy twist, making every spoonful irresistibly rich and flavorful.

Ingredients

Chicken (bone-in pieces) – 1 lb (drumsticks, thighs, or whole pieces)
Yellow yam – 2 cups (peeled and cubed)
Pumpkin – 2 cups (diced or grated)
Carrots – 2 (thinly sliced)
Scotch bonnet pepper – 1 (whole)
Dumplings – 6-8 (see instructions below)
Allspice berries – 6-8
Thyme – 2 sprigs
Coconut milk (optional) – 1 cup
Water or chicken stock – 8 cups

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Clean chicken with water and a splash of vinegar or lime juice. Rinse well and pat dry.
In a large pot, bring 8 cups of water or chicken stock to a boil. Add chicken pieces, thyme, and allspice berries. Simmer for 15–20 minutes.

Step 2: Add Vegetables

Prepare vegetables: peel and cube yellow yam and pumpkin, and slice carrots thinly.
Add vegetables to the pot. Stir gently and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for 20–25 minutes.

Step 3: Make Dumplings

Mix flour, salt, and water in a bowl to form a firm dough.
Pinch off small portions of dough and roll into elongated shapes (spinners).
Drop dumplings into the simmering soup. They will float to the top when cooked.

Step 4: Add Scotch Bonnet Pepper

Add the Scotch bonnet pepper whole. For less heat, leave it intact. For more spice, pierce with a fork.
Optional: Stir in coconut milk during the last 10 minutes of cooking for added richness.

Step 5: Simmer and Serve

Let the soup simmer until all ingredients are tender and flavors are well combined (about 10 more minutes).
Remove the Scotch bonnet pepper before serving.

Notes

For a thicker consistency, mash some pumpkin pieces against the side of the pot.
Toast allspice berries before adding for a deeper flavor.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Category: Soup
Cuisine: Jamaican

Nutrition

Calories: 250
Fat: 7g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 20g