Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Spicy Chicken & Veggie Soup?
It is a comforting and warming dish that combines tender chicken, hearty new potatoes, leeks, roasted peppers, and aromatic spices.
Who is the original inspiration for this recipe?
This recipe is adapted from renowned UK chef Lindsey Bareham.
Is this soup suitable for winter?
Yes, it is specifically described as a winter comfort food designed to chase away the chill.
Can I use leftover chicken in this recipe?
Yes, for convenience, you can stir in leftover cooked chicken at the end of the cooking process.
What type of potatoes are recommended?
The recipe calls for 200g of new potatoes, peeled and diced.
How should the leeks be prepared?
You should use two leeks that have been trimmed and sliced.
What gives the soup its spicy flavor?
The spice comes from one sliced and seeded hot chili pepper, minced garlic, and finely chopped ginger.
How much ginger is needed?
The recipe requires 1 tablespoon of finely chopped ginger.
What role does lemon juice play in the soup?
A squeeze of optional lemon juice can be added just before serving to brighten the flavors.
Should I use fresh or jarred peppers?
The recipe suggests using the jarred variety of roasted peppers, diced.
How long should I sauté the initial aromatics?
Sauté the onions, garlic, ginger, and chili for 3-4 minutes until the onions are translucent and fragrant.
When do I add the potatoes and leeks?
Add them after the initial aromatics are sautéed, then cover and cook for approximately 5 minutes.
How much chicken stock is used?
The recipe calls for 750 ml of chicken stock.
How long does the soup need to simmer?
The soup should simmer gently for about 15 minutes once it has reached a rolling boil.
What is the recommended garnish?
Sprinkle in two tablespoons of coarsely chopped coriander just before serving.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are 400 calories in this soup.
What is the protein content of this soup?
This soup contains 35 grams of protein.
How much fat is in the recipe?
The soup contains 10 grams of fat.
What is the carbohydrate count for this dish?
There are 45 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I adjust the spiciness of the soup?
Yes, you can seed the chili pepper to reduce heat or add more to increase the spice level.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 14 ingredients used in this recipe.
What kind of chicken should I buy?
The recipe calls for 250g of boned skinless chicken, diced.
What oil is used for sautéing?
The recipe uses two tablespoons of vegetable oil.
How do I know the potatoes are ready?
The potatoes are ready when they have become soft after about 15 minutes of simmering.
Is this soup considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy, hearty, and nourishing dish.
Do I need to brown the chicken?
Yes, the instructions say to cook the diced chicken until it is browned in patches before adding the stock.
Can I use fresh coriander?
Yes, the recipe specifies 2 tablespoons of coarsely chopped coriander for a fresh finish.
Should the soup be boiled the whole time?
No, bring it to a rolling boil first, then reduce the heat to low and simmer gently.
What is the first step in making this soup?
The first step is heating vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pan and sautéing onions, garlic, ginger, and chili.
How do I season the soup?
Season with salt and pepper when adding the leeks, and adjust to taste just before serving.