Ismail Merchant's Very Hot Chicken Soup Recipe

Name: Ismail Merchant's Very Hot Chicken Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 whole 3-pound chicken; 5 to 6 cups water; 8 whole cloves; 1 1-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and crushed or chopped very fine; 2 whole long or round dried hot red chili peppers, or 1/2 to 1 1/2 teaspoons dried red pepper flakes, to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil or unsalted butter; 2 small fresh or canned tomatoes, peeled, seeded and chopped; 3/4 to 1 teaspoon salt, to taste; 1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper, or to taste; Fresh cilantro or parsley leaves to garnish

Servings: persons

1
Put the chicken in a straight-sided 3-to-5 quart nonreactive pot, and add just enough water to cover.
2
It should not take more than 6 cups.
3
If it does, cut the chicken in quarters so no more water will be needed.
4
Add all the other ingredients, except for cilantro or parsley, using the minimum amounts of chili pepper, salt and black pepper for the first 25 minutes of cooking time.
5
Simmer gently, partly covered, for 15 minutes, adding water if necessary to maintain original level.
6
Taste for seasoning and cautiously add more chili, salt and black pepper.
7
Continue to cook for another 20 to 25 minutes, until chicken is just about falling off the bones.
8
Keep adding water to maintain original level.
9
Remove cooked chicken, cloves and chili pepper stems, if any.
10
Pick the chicken meat from the bones, discard skin and bones and return small chunks of chicken to the soup.
11
Garnish with cilantro or parsley leaves.

149

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 10 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 1 whole 3-pound chicken, 5 to 6 cups water, 8 whole cloves, 1 1-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and crushed or chopped very fine, and more.

Yes, Ismail Merchant's Very Hot Chicken Soup falls under the Soups & Stews category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Ismail Merchant's Very Hot Chicken Soup

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions