Aguadito de pollo

What is Aguadito de pollo?

Aguadito de pollo is a soup from Peru featuring chicken and a generous amount of cilantro, which gives it a bright green color. The soup includes large pieces of chicken, sometimes with hearts, livers, and gizzards, along with vegetables like potatoes, corn, peas, carrots, and rice. Yellow chili and spices add flavor and warmth. The broth is aromatic and herbaceous, with the cilantro standing out both in taste and appearance.

Where does Aguadito de pollo come from?

Aguadito de pollo is rooted in Peruvian cooking, where soups are a staple. Its use of chicken and offal reflects traditional methods of using the whole bird. The vivid green color comes from blending cilantro into the broth, a practice that sets it apart from other chicken soups. While its exact beginnings are not detailed, it is a well-known part of everyday meals in Peru.

How is Aguadito de pollo made?

To make aguadito de pollo, large pieces of chicken and sometimes offal are simmered in a pot with water or stock. Chopped vegetables like potatoes, corn, peas, carrots, and rice are added. A generous amount of cilantro, often blended with some of the broth, is stirred in to give the soup its green color. Yellow chili and spices are included for extra flavor. The soup is cooked until the chicken is tender and the flavors meld.

How and when is Aguadito de pollo eaten?

Aguadito de pollo is served hot, usually for lunch or dinner. It is enjoyed as a hearty main course, often in family settings or casual meals. In Peru, it is sometimes eaten after a night of celebration, as it is believed to help with hangover symptoms. The soup is typically ladled into bowls and eaten with a spoon, sometimes accompanied by bread.

Kinds of Aguadito de pollo

While the base of chicken, cilantro, and vegetables is standard, some versions add noodles or change the mix of vegetables depending on what is available. The use of chicken offal varies, with some cooks including hearts, livers, and gizzards, while others use only chicken meat. The level of spiciness can also be adjusted by adding more or less yellow chili.

What Aguadito de pollo means

Aguadito de pollo is a familiar comfort food in Peru, valued for its warmth and nourishing qualities. It is especially known as a remedy for hangovers, making it popular after festivities. The soup’s distinctive green color and rich aroma make it a recognizable part of Peruvian home cooking.

Questions people ask about Aguadito de pollo

Good reading and sources

• Aguadito de pollo on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data