Locro de Gallina Soup Recipe (Peruvian Hen Stew)

A warm and comforting dish from Peru, Locro de Gallina is a traditional soup made with tender chicken (or hen), hearty potatoes, and vibrant spices.Comforting Locro de Gallina: A Taste of Peru.

⏱️ Preparation Time: 15 minutes
🍳 Cooking Time: 1 hour
🥄 Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
👩‍🍳 Serves: 4

Ingredients:

Soup Base:

• 🐓 1 whole hen or chicken (cut into pieces, approx. 1.5 kg)
• 🥔 3 medium yellow potatoes (peeled and diced)
• 🥕 1 large carrot (sliced)
• 🧅 1 large onion (finely chopped)
• 🧄 3 garlic cloves (minced)
• 🌶️ 1 tbsp aji amarillo paste (Peruvian yellow chili, or substitute with mild chili paste)
• 🌿 1 tsp ground cumin
• 🌱 1 tsp dried oregano
• 🥣 8 cups chicken stock or water
• 🌽 2 ears of corn (cut into chunks)
• 🧂 Salt and pepper (to taste)

For Serving:

• 🌱 Fresh cilantro or parsley (chopped)
• 🍋 Lime wedges

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

• In a large pot, heat a drizzle of oil over medium heat.
• Brown the hen or chicken pieces on all sides for added flavor. Remove and set aside.

2. Sauté the Aromatics:

• In the same pot, add onion, garlic, and aji amarillo paste.
• Cook for 3–5 minutes until the mixture becomes fragrant and the onions are soft.

3. Build the Broth:

• Return the chicken to the pot and add the chicken stock or water.
• Stir in cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper.
• Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer.

4. Add Vegetables:

• After simmering for 30 minutes, add potatoes, carrots, and corn chunks.
• Cook until the vegetables are tender and the chicken is fully cooked (about 20–30 minutes).

5. Final Touch:

• Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
• Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley.

6. Serve:

• Ladle the soup into bowls and serve with lime wedges for added zest.