Mulligatawny Soup
This Mulligatawny Soup is a delightful blend of spices and tender chicken, perfect for warming up on chilly days. It’s not just a soup; it’s an experience that captures the essence of comfort food. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply looking for a cozy meal at home, this soup fits perfectly into any occasion. Its unique combination of flavors will leave your taste buds dancing, making it a standout dish in your recipe repertoire.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hearty and Nourishing: This soup combines protein, vegetables, and grains, creating a filling meal that satisfies.
- Flavorful Spices: The blend of cumin, coriander, and garam masala adds warmth and depth to every bowl.
- Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, you can whip up this comforting soup in no time.
- Versatile Ingredients: Customize the veggies or spice levels to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
- Perfect for Leftovers: This Mulligatawny Soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together beautifully.
Tools and Preparation
To make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable, gather the essential tools beforehand. Having everything ready will help you focus on creating this delicious Mulligatawny Soup.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stock pot or Dutch oven
- Measuring spoons
- Chopping board
- Knife
- Ladle
Importance of Each Tool
- Stock pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for simmering soups evenly while allowing ample space for all ingredients.
- Measuring spoons: Ensures accurate spice measurements for perfect flavor balance.
- Chopping board: Provides a safe surface for prepping veggies and meats efficiently.

Ingredients
To create this delightful Mulligatawny Soup, gather the following ingredients:
For the Chicken Base
- 1 pound boneless chicken (breast or thighs, sliced into short, thin strips)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon flour
For the Vegetables
- 3 tablespoons olive or coconut oil (divided usage)
- 1 small/medium onion (chopped)
- 2 ribs celery (chopped)
- 1 carrot (peeled and chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
For Flavor Boosters
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- 2 teaspoons curry powder (mild or hot, your choice)
For the Broth and Rice
- 1 quart chicken broth
- 1/2 cup uncooked white rice
For Creaminess and Sweetness
- 1 sweet-tart apple (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, peeled)
- 14 ounce can coconut milk (well shaken)
To Taste
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Mulligatawny Soup
Step 1: Brown the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a stock pot over medium heat until shimmering. Toss chicken pieces with spice mixture and flour. Add to pot, browning on all sides until cooked through. Remove chicken from pot and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
Add another tablespoon oil to the pot. When shimmering, add onions, celery, and carrots. Sauté until soft. Then add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
Step 3: Bloom the Spices
Push vegetables aside in the pot. Heat remaining oil briefly in bare spot. Sprinkle garam masala, curry powder, flour, and salt over oil; stir to form a paste. Mix with vegetables and cook briefly.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Pour in remaining chicken broth while stirring to smooth out lumps from roux. Bring to a gentle boil before adding rice. Reduce heat to medium-low; partially cover pot.
Step 5: Add Apple & Chicken
Cook for 15 minutes before grating apple directly over soup. Stir in reserved chicken and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Adjust salt as needed.
Step 6: Finish with Coconut Milk
Reduce heat to low; stir in coconut milk thoroughly. Allow it to heat through before tasting again for seasoning adjustments with salt and pepper.
Enjoy your warm bowl of Mulligatawny Soup!
How to Serve Mulligatawny Soup
Mulligatawny soup is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.
With Fresh Herbs
- Cilantro: Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top for a burst of flavor and color.
- Chives: Finely chopped chives add a mild onion taste and a lovely green contrast.
Accompanied by Bread
- Crusty Bread: Serve with warm, crusty bread for dipping, enhancing the soup’s comforting nature.
- Naan or Flatbread: Pair with soft naan or flatbreads to soak up the delicious broth.
Topped with Crunch
- Toasted Nuts: Almonds or cashews can be toasted and sprinkled on top for added crunch.
- Fried Onions: Crispy fried onions provide texture and a savory crunch.
With Additional Protein
- Grilled Chicken: Add sliced grilled chicken atop the soup for extra protein and heartiness.
- Chickpeas: For a plant-based option, toss in some roasted chickpeas for a protein boost.
How to Perfect Mulligatawny Soup
Creating the perfect Mulligatawny soup requires attention to detail. Here are some essential tips for success.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and spices enhance the flavor profile significantly.
- Balance Spices: Adjust the spices according to your preference; start with less and add more as needed.
- Cook Rice Separately: For optimal texture, consider cooking rice separately and adding it just before serving.
- Adjust Thickness: If your soup is too thick, thin it out with additional chicken broth or coconut milk.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the soup to sit for a few minutes after cooking helps meld the flavors together.
- Taste Before Serving: Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving for maximum flavor satisfaction.
Best Side Dishes for Mulligatawny Soup
Pairing side dishes with Mulligatawny soup can enhance your meal. Here are some great options to consider.
- Green Salad: A simple mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette complements the soup’s richness.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables provide an earthy contrast that pairs well with the spices.
- Quinoa Salad: Light and nutritious, quinoa salad adds protein and texture alongside your soup.
- Stuffed Peppers: Colorful stuffed peppers filled with grains or legumes make an eye-catching side dish.
- Cucumber Raita: Cooling cucumber raita balances the heat from the spices in the soup beautifully.
- Savory Scones: Cheesy or herb-infused scones serve as delightful accompaniments, perfect for dipping into the soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Mulligatawny Soup, it’s easy to make mistakes that can affect the final flavor and texture.
- Not Browning the Chicken Properly: Failing to brown the chicken can lead to a less flavorful soup. Ensure that you cook the chicken until golden on all sides for depth of flavor.
- Skipping the Spice Blooming: If you add spices directly without blooming them in oil, you may lose some essential flavors. Always stir spices into hot oil to enhance their aroma.
- Overcooking the Rice: Overcooked rice can become mushy and alter the soup’s texture. Add it at the right time and monitor cooking to keep it al dente.
- Not Adjusting Seasoning: Forgetting to taste and adjust seasoning can leave your soup bland. Always taste before serving and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Using Low-Quality Broth: The broth is key to a great Mulligatawny Soup. Opt for a high-quality chicken broth for richer flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Mulligatawny Soup in an airtight container.
- It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing Mulligatawny Soup
- Allow the soup to cool completely before freezing.
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Mulligatawny Soup
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the soup into an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 20-30 minutes or until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place the soup in a microwave-safe bowl, covering it loosely. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Pour the soup into a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until hot, about 5-10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Mulligatawny Soup.
What is Mulligatawny Soup?
Mulligatawny Soup is a classic spiced chicken soup that originated in British cuisine, inspired by Indian flavors. It’s known for its comforting warmth and rich spices.
Can I use other proteins instead of chicken?
Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with turkey or even beef if you prefer a different flavor profile while maintaining the essence of Mulligatawny Soup.
How spicy is Mulligatawny Soup?
The spiciness of Mulligatawny Soup can vary based on your choice of cayenne pepper and curry powder. Adjust these ingredients according to your heat preference.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute chicken with vegetables like chickpeas or lentils and use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth for a delicious vegetarian version of Mulligatawny Soup.
Can I customize the vegetables used?
Definitely! Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, peas, or bell peppers based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
Final Thoughts
Mulligatawny Soup is not only comforting but also versatile, allowing you to customize it with various spices and vegetables. Perfect for chilly days, this recipe promises warmth and satisfaction in every bowl. Give it a try, and feel free to make it your own!
Mulligatawny Soup
Mulligatawny Soup is a heartwarming dish that combines tender chicken with a medley of spices and creamy coconut milk, creating a deliciously aromatic experience perfect for chilly days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless chicken (sliced)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion (chopped)
- 2 ribs celery (chopped)
- 1 carrot (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 quart chicken broth
- 1/2 cup uncooked white rice
- 14 ounces coconut milk
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 1 sweet-tart apple (peeled)
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a stock pot over medium heat. Season the chicken with flour and spices, then brown in the pot. Set aside.
- In the same pot, add remaining oil and sauté chopped onion, celery, carrot, and garlic until soft.
- Push vegetables aside; bloom garam masala and curry powder in the oil briefly.
- Pour in chicken broth while stirring to remove lumps. Bring to a boil and add rice; reduce heat to simmer.
- After 15 minutes, grate apple into the soup and return the chicken to the pot. Cook for another 5 minutes.
- Stir in coconut milk before tasting for seasoning adjustments.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
