Mulligatawny Soup - Chicken & Vegetable Curry Soup - Food Wishes

Mulligatawny Soup - Chicken & Vegetable Curry Soup - Food Wishes is a medium Indian recipe that serves 6. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Food Wishes on YouTube.

Prep: 30 min | Cook: 1 hr 20 min | Total: 2 hrs 5 min

Cost: $17.69 total, $2.95 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 Tbsp Unsalted Butter (for sautéing)
  • 2 Tbsp Olive Oil (can substitute with all butter if preferred)
  • 2 lb Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs (trimmed, cut into large pieces for browning then chopped)
  • 2 tsp Salt (generous seasoning for chicken and vegetables)
  • 2 Tbsp Curry Powder (Indian style)
  • 1 Tbsp Garam Masala
  • 1 tsp Ground Cumin
  • 1 tsp Freshly Ground Black Pepper
  • 1/2 tsp Dry Mustard Powder
  • 1 tsp Ground Coriander
  • 1/4 tsp Cayenne Pepper
  • 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 1 Tbsp Fresh Ginger (minced)
  • 1 large Onion (diced)
  • 2 stalks Celery (diced)
  • 2 medium Carrots (diced)
  • 2 Tbsp Tomato Paste
  • 2 cups Yukon Gold Potatoes (diced)
  • 1 cup Fresh Tomatoes (diced)
  • 1 large Granny Smith Apple (peeled and diced into 1/4‑inch pieces)
  • 1/2 cup Red Lentils (rinsed)
  • 1 Bay Leaf
  • 1 tsp Tamarind Paste
  • 6 cups Chicken Broth (homemade or store‑bought)
  • 1/2 cup Coconut Cream (optional, can use coconut milk or heavy cream)
  • 2 Tbsp Plain Yogurt (for garnish)
  • 2 Tbsp Fresh Cilantro (chopped, for garnish)
  • 2 Tbsp Scallions (thinly sliced, for garnish)
  • 1/2 tsp Aleppo Pepper (or Indian chili flakes)

Instructions

  1. Heat Fat

    Add butter and olive oil to a large soup pot and heat over medium‑high until the butter melts and the oil shimmers.

    Time: PT2M

  2. Brown Chicken

    Season the chicken thighs generously with salt, place skin‑side down (if skin on) and brown for 4‑5 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside on a plate to cool.

    Time: PT10M

  3. Prepare Spice Blend

    While the chicken rests, combine curry powder, garam masala, cumin, black pepper, dry mustard, coriander, and cayenne pepper in a small bowl.

    Time: PT2M

  4. Toast Spices

    Reduce heat to medium, add the spice blend to the pot and stir‑cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

    Time: PT30S

  5. Add Garlic & Ginger

    Stir in minced garlic and ginger and cook for 1 minute, scraping the bottom of the pot.

    Time: PT1M

  6. Sauté Aromatics

    Add diced onion, celery, carrots, and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 3‑4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.

    Time: PT4M

  7. Incorporate Tomato Paste

    Stir in tomato paste and cook for 3 minutes to eliminate raw flavor and deepen color.

    Time: PT3M

  8. Add Veggies, Fruit, Lentils & Flavorings

    Add diced potatoes, fresh tomatoes, diced apple, red lentils, bay leaf, and tamarind paste. Stir to combine.

    Time: PT2M

  9. Add Broth & Coconut Cream

    Pour in 6 cups chicken broth and stir in coconut cream (if using). Increase heat to high and bring to a gentle boil.

    Time: PT5M

  10. Simmer Base Soup

    Reduce heat to medium‑low and let the soup simmer gently for 30 minutes, uncovered, stirring occasionally.

    Time: PT30M

  11. Re‑Add Chicken

    Chop the cooled chicken into bite‑size pieces (or shred) and return to the pot. Simmer for an additional 20‑30 minutes until chicken is heated through and vegetables are tender.

    Time: PT25M

  12. Final Seasoning

    Taste the soup and add more salt if needed. Remove the bay leaf.

    Time: PT2M

  13. Garnish & Serve

    Ladle soup into warm bowls and garnish with a dollop of yogurt, chopped cilantro, sliced scallions, and a sprinkle of Aleppo pepper.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
20 g
Carbohydrates
45 g
Fat
10 g
Fiber
8 g

Dietary info: Gluten‑free, Nut‑free

Allergens: Dairy (butter, yogurt), Coconut

Last updated: April 11, 2026

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Mulligatawny Soup - Chicken & Vegetable Curry Soup - Food Wishes

Recipe by Food Wishes

A hearty, aromatic Indian-inspired Mulligatawny soup packed with chicken, vegetables, apples, red lentils, and a fragrant spice blend. Finished with coconut cream, yogurt, cilantro, scallions, and a pinch of Aleppo pepper, this comforting bowl is perfect for cool evenings.

MediumIndianServes 6

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
20m
Prep
1h 8m
Cook
11m
Cleanup
1h 39m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$17.69
Total cost
$2.95
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Browning the chicken for flavor
  • Toasting the spice blend without burning
  • Adding salt early to vegetables to draw moisture
  • Simmering the soup long enough for lentils and potatoes to soften
  • Re‑adding chicken at the end to keep pieces intact

Safety Warnings

  • Handle hot oil with care to avoid splatter burns.
  • Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 °F (74 °C).
  • Use oven‑mitts when handling the hot pot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Mulligatawny Soup in Indian cuisine?

A

Mulligatawny, meaning “pepper water” in Tamil, originated during British colonial India when soldiers wanted a soup that reminded them of home. Over time it evolved into a rich, spiced stew that blends Indian flavors with British soup traditions.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Mulligatawny Soup in South Indian cuisine?

A

In South India, versions often include lentils, rice, and tamarind for sourness, while Anglo‑Indian adaptations add cream or coconut milk and sometimes chicken or lamb. Coastal regions may incorporate seafood or coconut more heavily.

cultural
Q

How is Mulligatawny Soup traditionally served in Indian households?

A

It is typically served hot in a deep bowl, garnished with a swirl of yogurt, fresh cilantro, and sometimes a squeeze of lime. It may be accompanied by naan, rice, or a simple flatbread to soak up the broth.

cultural
Q

During which celebrations or occasions is Mulligatawny Soup commonly prepared in Indian culture?

A

Mulligatawny is often made for festive gatherings, especially during British‑influenced holidays like Christmas or New Year’s, and at family celebrations where a comforting, one‑pot dish is desired.

cultural
Q

What makes Mulligatawny Soup special or unique in Indian cuisine?

A

Its blend of savory, sweet, sour, and spicy elements—thanks to spices, tamarind, apples, and coconut—creates a complex flavor profile rarely found in other Indian soups, making it a standout comfort dish.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Mulligatawny Soup versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Traditional ingredients include chicken, red lentils, tamarind paste, apples, and a spice mix of curry powder and garam masala. Substitutes can be coconut milk for cream, vegetable broth for chicken broth, or rice instead of lentils for thickness.

cultural
Q

What other Indian dishes pair well with Mulligatawny Soup?

A

Mulligatawny pairs nicely with naan or roti, a side of basmati rice, and lighter dishes such as cucumber raita, spiced pickles, or a simple green salad dressed with lemon.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Mulligatawny Soup?

A

Common errors include over‑browning the spices (which makes them bitter), adding chicken too early (causing it to fall apart), and not allowing enough simmer time for lentils and potatoes to soften fully.

technical
Q

Why does this Mulligatawny Soup recipe toast the spice blend before adding liquids?

A

Toasting releases essential oils from the spices, deepening the aroma and flavor. Adding the spices directly to liquid would mute their potency and can result in a flat‑tasting broth.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Food Wishes specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Food Wishes, hosted by Chef John, specializes in approachable, humor‑filled cooking tutorials that break down classic and contemporary recipes for home cooks, often adding unique twists and clear step‑by‑step guidance.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Food Wishes' approach to Indian cooking differ from other Indian cooking channels?

A

Food Wishes focuses on simplifying complex Indian dishes with fewer steps and pantry‑friendly ingredients, while still preserving authentic flavors, whereas many Indian channels emphasize traditional techniques and regional authenticity.

channel

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