Ever heard someone say “Mulligatawny” and thought they were talking about an Irish dance? You’re not alone! Despite its tongue-twisting name (which I personally can’t say without wanting to do a little jig), this delicious soup has nothing to do with Ireland. In fact it’s a fascinating fusion of Indian and British culinary traditions that deserves a special place in your recipe collection.
As a soup enthusiast and home chef, I’ve fallen head over heels for this aromatic, curry-infused dish. Today, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about Chicken Mulligatawny Soup – from its intriguing history to how you can make it at home tonight!
The Origins: Not Quite What You’d Expect
The name “Mulligatawny” comes from the Tamil language of southern India, combining the words “milagu” (meaning pepper) and “tannir” or “thanni” (meaning water). So literally, it translates to “pepper water” – though the modern version is so much more complex and satisfying than that basic description suggests!
Interestingly, Mulligatawny isn’t purely an Indian soup as many believe. It actually represents one of the earliest fusion cuisines. During British colonial rule in India, the British encountered this flavorful Tamil dish and adapted it to their tastes. While the original Indian version likely featured lentils, vegetables, and traditional spices, British colonists modified it by adding chicken or lamb and incorporating apples for a hint of sweetness.
The British later brought this adapted dish back to England where it became popular in Victorian households before spreading to other parts of the world, including America.
What Makes It Special: The Flavor Profile
What exactly is Chicken Mulligatawny Soup? At its heart, it’s a curry-flavored soup that brings together the warming spices of Indian cuisine with the heartiness of a Western-style chicken soup. The result is a rich, slightly spicy, and deeply satisfying dish that works as both a starter or a complete meal.
The signature flavor comes from curry powder, which typically contains turmeric (giving the soup its golden color), coriander, cumin, and other spices. Many versions also include garam masala for additional depth and complexity.
What makes this soup truly special is how these bold spices are balanced with creaminess (often from coconut milk) and a hint of sweetness (traditionally from apples). It’s this balance that creates a uniquely comforting yet exotic flavor profile.
Key Ingredients: What Goes Into This Magic Pot?
While recipes vary widely, here are the components that define a classic Chicken Mulligatawny Soup:
Must-Have Ingredients:
- Chicken – Usually boneless chicken thighs or breast cut into bite-sized pieces
- Curry powder and spices – The heart and soul of the dish
- Aromatics – Onions, carrots, celery, garlic, and ginger form the flavor base
- Apples – Often Granny Smith, providing a subtle tartness that balances the spices
- Broth – Chicken stock or broth forms the liquid base
- Rice or lentils – For body and substance
Common Additions:
- Coconut milk – Adds creaminess and tempers the spice
- Fresh herbs – Cilantro/coriander is most common
- Lime juice – For brightness and acidity
- Golden raisins – For sweet bursts of flavor
I remember the first time I made this soup – I was skeptical about adding apples to a savory soup, but trust me, it WORKS! The slight tartness from a Granny Smith apple perfectly complements the curry spices.
Regional Variations: Many Soups, One Name
Like many traditional dishes that have traveled the world, Mulligatawny has evolved into numerous variations:
- South Indian versions typically use coconut milk as a base
- North Indian variations often feature a tomato or yogurt base
- British adaptations commonly include apples and a creamier texture
- American versions tend to be spicier with the addition of hot peppers
There’s no “right” way to make Mulligatawny – part of its charm is how adaptable it is to different tastes and available ingredients!
Health Benefits: More Than Just Delicious
Beyond its amazing flavor, Chicken Mulligatawny Soup also offers some impressive health benefits:
- Protein-rich from the chicken, supporting muscle repair
- Anti-inflammatory properties from spices like turmeric and ginger
- Immune-boosting from garlic and various herbs
- Fiber from vegetables and sometimes lentils
- Vitamin A from ingredients like carrots
It’s one of those rare comfort foods that’s actually good for you too!
How To Make Chicken Mulligatawny Soup At Home
Ready to try making this delicious soup yourself? Here’s a simplified recipe to get you started:
Simple Chicken Mulligatawny Soup Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil (or a combination)
- 1 onion, diced
- 2-3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 Granny Smith apple, peeled and diced or grated
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 2-3 teaspoons curry powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 pound boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup uncooked rice
- 1 can coconut milk
- Juice of 1 lime
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Heat butter/oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until no longer pink. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, add onions, carrots, and celery. Cook until vegetables begin to soften.
- Add garlic and ginger, cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in curry powder, garam masala, and turmeric. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.
- Add a little broth and stir to create a paste with the spices, then add remaining broth.
- Return chicken to the pot and add rice. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until rice is tender (about 15-20 minutes).
- Stir in coconut milk and diced apple. Simmer for a few more minutes.
- Add lime juice, taste and adjust seasoning.
- Serve garnished with fresh cilantro.
Serving Suggestions: Complete Your Meal
Chicken Mulligatawny Soup works beautifully as a standalone meal, but if you want to make it part of a larger spread, here are some perfect pairings:
- Bread – Naan, papadum, or crusty bread for dipping
- Rice – A small side of basmati rice can make the meal more substantial
- Drinks – A cold beer or crisp white wine complements the spices wonderfully
- Lighter sides – A simple cucumber salad can provide a refreshing contrast
Storage and Reheating Tips
Made too much? No problem! Chicken Mulligatawny Soup stores and reheats beautifully:
- Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for 3-4 days
- The soup will thicken as it sits (the rice absorbs liquid), so you may need to add more broth when reheating
- It can be frozen for 2-3 months, though the texture of the apples may change slightly
- Reheat gently on the stovetop, stirring occasionally
Pop Culture Connection: The Seinfeld Effect
Did you know this soup had a brief moment of fame on American television? In the popular 90s sitcom Seinfeld, Mulligatawny was featured in the famous “Soup Nazi” episode. In the show, it was one of the specialty soups that customers lined up for, despite the restaurant owner’s strict ordering procedures.
That episode introduced many Americans to this unique soup for the first time, sparking curiosity about this exotic-sounding dish. I personally first heard about Mulligatawny from that very episode!
Why You Should Try It
If you’ve never made Chicken Mulligatawny Soup before, here’s why you should add it to your cooking bucket list:
- It’s impressive but easy – Looks and tastes complex, but is actually simple to make
- One-pot wonder – Everything cooks in a single pot for easy cleanup
- Customizable – Easy to adjust spice levels and ingredients to suit your taste
- Complete meal – Contains protein, vegetables, and starch all in one bowl
- Freezes well – Perfect for meal prep and future quick dinners
Final Thoughts
Chicken Mulligatawny Soup represents the beautiful marriage of cultures and flavors that happens when culinary traditions cross borders. With its rich history, complex flavors, and comforting qualities, it’s more than just a soup—it’s a journey in a bowl.
Whether you’re looking to expand your culinary horizons, warm up on a chilly evening, or impress dinner guests with something a bit different, this versatile soup delivers on all fronts. So grab your soup pot, gather your spices, and get ready to dance (at least with your taste buds) to the delicious rhythm of Mulligatawny!
Have you tried Chicken Mulligatawny Soup before? What’s your favorite variation? I’d love to hear about your experiences with this flavorful dish!
Why you’ll love this Mulligatawny Chicken Soup
- Hearty & flavorful – Filled with tender chicken, carrots, peppers, apples, and onions, this soup will stick with you all evening!
- Ready in an hour – This soup recipe starts by making your own broth and cooking an entire chicken in a pot! Even with that, it’s ready in just over an hour. Speed things up using precooked chicken and storebought broth!
- Makes a big batch – One pot of mulligatawny soup will make 8 filling portions, perfect for a big family or lots of leftovers!
- Whole chicken – Use a whole raw chicken to make your own flavorful broth. Aim for around 3 pounds.
- Salt
- Lemon juice – Will add a bright, tangy flavor to the broth.
- Seasonings – Season your soup with curry powder, ground cloves, and ground mace (or nutmeg) for a delicious South Indian flavor.
- Onion – Dice a yellow or white onion into bite-sized pieces.
- Butter
- Carrots – Peel your carrots and slice them into thin rounds.
- Apple – Use a firm, tart Granny Smith apple. Remove the seeds and chop it into pieces.
- Green pepper – Remove the stem and seeds of your pepper and cut it into ½ inch pieces.
- Tomatoes – Use regular canned diced tomatoes. Don’t drain the broth; it will add extra flavor.
- Parsley – Add this as an optional garnish.
- Semi-homemade – Instead of making everything from scratch, speed up the process by using leftover rotisserie chicken and store-bought or premade chicken stock.
- Add lentils – Some mulligatawny recipes include lentils, which add extra fiber. Drain and rinse a can of cooked lentils, or cook them from scratch if you have extra time.
- Vegan mulligatawny soup – For a much faster and plant-based recipe, skip the chicken and use veggie broth.
- Add rice – For a really filling and satisfying soup, add rice to the broth and let it plump up gradually until nice and tender.
What is Mulligatawny Soup?
Mulligatawny Chicken Soup, a soup with tons of flavor, is thought to have originated in Southern India during British rule. Translated from Tamil, mulligatawny means “pepper water.” It’s typically an incredibly flavorful broth-based soup or curry made with various ingredients, including chicken, tomatoes, green peppers, and apples. It’s rich and hearty in all the best ways. If you love curries, you’ll love this British spin on a classic!
Chicken Mulligatawny Soup
FAQ
What is mulligatawny soup made of?
Mulligatawny soup is a rich, curry-flavored soup that fuses Indian and British culinary traditions, featuring a base of spiced stock, meat (often chicken or lamb), red lentils, and vegetables like carrots and potatoes, thickened with rice or flour and given a creamy texture with coconut milk, apples, and a flavorful blend of Indian spices such as turmeric, cumin, and garam masala. The name “Mulligatawny” comes from the Tamil words “milagu” (pepper) and “tanni” (water), referring to its peppery origins.
Why is it called Mulligatawny?
The name “Mulligatawny” comes from the Tamil words “milagu” (pepper) and “tanni” (water), which together mean “pepper water.” The original soup that inspired Mullugtwanny (Popular spelling: Mulligatawny) is called Rasam, a zesty, peppery-garlic consommé.
What is the flavour of mulligatawny soup?
Mulligatawny is a richly flavoured soup, spiced with curry powder and thickened with rice. Perfect for a cold day, serve with a dollop of tangy sour cream.
Is mulligatawny soup healthy?
Yes, mulligatawny soup is generally a healthy option, as it’s packed with nutrient-rich ingredients like lentils, vegetables, and spices, offering fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. The healthiness can vary depending on the specific recipe, with vegan and meat-based versions being available and ingredients such as coconut milk and sweet potatoes contributing to its overall nutritional value.