Soulwarming Chicken Mulligatawny Soup

Cozy Chicken Mulligatawny Soup A Taste of the Raj

By Priya DesaiSeptember 28, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction: Fancy a Bit of the Raj?

Ever fancied a taste of India but couldn't quite stretch to a plane ticket? Well, pull up a chair, because I've got just the ticket.

This chicken mulligatawny soup recipe is like a warm hug in a bowl. It's proper lush.

A Bowlful of History: What's This Soup All About?

Mulligatawny soup recipe originates from the days of the British Raj cuisine in India. Think of it as a clever combo of Indian spices and British tastes.

It’s a fairly easy recipe, though, and it’s also ready in about an hour. You'll get about six servings from this.

Why You'll Love This Chicken Mulligatawny Soup

This soup is packed with flavour, thanks to all those lovely Indian inspired soup spices. It's also surprisingly good for you, thanks to the lentils and chicken.

It makes a cracking lunch on a chilly day and the bonus is how its a source of protein!. What makes this one special? The coconut milk soup base gives it a creamy richness that's absolutely divine.

I have personally found this spicy chicken soup to be very pleasant!

Let's Talk Ingredients: The Magic Behind the Soup

Alright, enough chatter! Let's get down to the nitty gritty. Before we start, make sure you have some good quality chicken thighs.

Personally, I like using chicken thigh soup recipe because they’re full of flavour. You'll also need some basics like onions, carrots, and celery.

The real stars are the spices: curry powder, cumin, and coriander. And don't forget the coconut milk and lime juice they're what make this soup sing!.

This recipe is easy to follow even for beginner cooks.

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Started!

So, fancy a bit of Chicken Mulligatawny Soup ? Good choice! This Indian inspired soup is a proper hug in a bowl.

Seriously comforting, especially on a rainy day. Let's round up what we need to make this easy mulligatawny .

Main Ingredients: What You'll Need

Here's the lowdown on what goes into this beauty. Precise is good, yeah? Think of it as painting by numbers, but for your tummy.

Chicken: 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs , cut into 1 inch bits. Top tip: Thighs are juicier! Quality chicken is key. You want it looking pink and plump.
Oil: 1 tablespoon olive oil.
Salt: 1 teaspoon kosher salt.
Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
Onion: 1 large yellow onion, chopped (about 1 1/2 cups).
Carrots: 2 carrots, peeled and diced (about 1 cup).
Celery: 2 celery stalks, diced (about 1 cup).
Garlic: 2 cloves , minced.
Ginger: 1 inch piece, peeled and minced.
Apple: 1 green apple, peeled, cored, and diced. Granny Smith is ace .
Curry Powder: 2 tablespoons curry powder. Use mild or medium, it depends on your tolerance.
Cumin: 1 teaspoon ground cumin.
Coriander: 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander.
Cayenne Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper. Optional but recommended for that spicy chicken soup kick.
Chicken Broth: 4 cups (950ml) chicken broth. Low sodium is your mate.
Diced Tomatoes: 1 (14.5 oz / 410g) can, undrained.
Red Lentils: 1 cup (200g) red lentils, rinsed. These are your buddies for that creamy texture. This chicken lentil soup will soon have you wanting more.
Coconut Milk: 1 can (13.5 oz / 400ml) full fat coconut milk. Honestly, the full fat stuff is the way to go . This coconut milk soup will be divine.
Lime Juice: 2 tablespoons lime juice.
Salt and pepper: To taste.

Seasoning Notes: The Spice is Right

Right, the spices! This is where the mulligatawny soup recipe sings. It's a classic soup with Indian spices , echoing that British Raj cuisine .

Curry powder, cumin, coriander: the holy trinity. Don't be shy.
Cayenne: a dash for a lift. Go easy if you are spice wimp
Don't have curry powder? Turmeric, cumin, coriander, and fenugreek can work.

Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple, Stupid

You don't need a kitchen full of fancy gadgets, promise. It's all about that base.

Large pot or Dutch oven. Something big enough for the party .
Cutting board and knife.
Measuring cups and spoons.
Ladle.

Cooking Method: The Secret to the Best Chicken Mulligatawny Soup

Honestly, nailing the cooking method is everything when it comes to chicken mulligatawny soup . You can have the fanciest ingredients, but if you mess up the technique, you're doomed.

This isn't just any chicken lentil soup , it's a journey back to the British Raj cuisine , and we need to respect that! My Nan used to say, "Proper prep prevents poor performance!" and you know what? She was right about everything .

Prep Like a Pro: The Mulligatawny Mise en Place

Good prep is key! For this easy mulligatawny , you will first need to dice 1 large yellow onion , 2 carrots , and 2 celery stalks.

Mince 2 cloves garlic and 1 inch ginger. Core and dice 1 green apple . Rinse 1 cup of red lentils . Now you're ready to rumble.

Time saving tip: chop the veg the day before. Safety reminder: always curl your fingers under when chopping!

step-by-step: Your Mulligatawny Masterclass

Sear the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot. Season 1.5 lbs chicken thighs with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper . Sear the chicken in batches until browned on all sides. Set aside. This locks in flavour!
Sauté Aromatics: Add onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook until softened, about 5- 7 minutes. Add garlic and ginger. Cook until fragrant (around 1 minute ). Your kitchen will smell amazing at this point.
Spice It Up: Stir in 2 tablespoons curry powder , 1 teaspoon cumin , 1/2 teaspoon coriander , and 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional) and cook for 1 minute. This is called "blooming" the spices, and it unlocks their full potential.
Simmer Away: Add the diced apple, 4 cups chicken broth , 1 can diced tomatoes , and rinsed lentils. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes , or until lentils are tender.
Chicken Returns: Add the seared chicken back to the pot. Simmer for another 10 minutes , or until the chicken is cooked through (165° F/ 74° C ).
Coconut Magic: Stir in 1 can coconut milk and 2 tablespoons lime juice . Heat through gently, but do not boil! We don't want to split the coconut milk!
Season to Perfection: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Pro Tips for Unbelievably Tasty Curry Soup Recipe

Don't skip searing the chicken it adds a depth of flavour you'll miss otherwise. Common mistake: adding the coconut milk and then boiling the soup.

No, no, no! It'll curdle. For a spicier spicy chicken soup , add a pinch more cayenne. This Indian inspired soup will blow your mind!

Remember, the beauty of Mulligatawny soup recipe lies in adapting it to your taste. So go on, give it a whirl! I guarantee you'll fall in love with this chicken thigh soup recipe just like I did.

Recipe Notes for the Best Chicken Mulligatawny Soup EVER!

Right, so you're about to tackle this amazing chicken mulligatawny soup recipe . Ace! Just wanted to drop a few extra bits and bobs to help you nail it.

Cooking should be fun, innit? Let's make sure it is!

Serving Suggestions: Get That Mulligatawny Soup Recipe On The Table Like A Pro

Presentation matters, even when you're just having a casual supper. Ladle your Indian inspired soup into nice bowls. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro, a wedge of lime and maybe a dollop of yogurt looks proper posh.

Serve it with warm naan or even just some crusty bread for dunking. Honestly, this curry soup recipe is delish on its own, but a side of rice or quinoa makes it a meal.

Storage Tips: Keep That Easy Mulligatawny Fresh

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This chicken lentil soup keeps brilliantly. Pop it in an airtight container and it'll be good in the fridge for 3-4 days .

If you want to freeze it, let it cool completely first. Freeze in portions for easy lunches. Reheat gently on the hob, or in the microwave.

Give it a good stir and add a splash of water or broth if it seems a bit thick.

Variations: Make This Spicy Chicken Soup Your Own

Fancy a bit of a tweak? Go vegetarian. Just ditch the chicken and throw in some extra veggies. Sweet potato works a treat.

For my vegan friends, ensure you are using vegan broth!

Feel like something different? How about seafood? Add some shrimp near the end. You know? Or just go with some chunks of firm white fish.

You could even skip the coconut milk to turn this into a proper tomato based soup.

Nutrition Basics: A Chicken Thigh Soup Recipe That's Good For You!

This chicken mulligatawny soup is packed with goodness. It is with lean protein from the chicken, fibre from the lentils and vitamins from the veggies.

That ginger and curry powder? They're full of anti inflammatory properties. Win-win! Roughly, you're looking at 450-550 calories per serving. It's a nourishing and delicious way to warm up and fuel your body.

Don't quote me though, it'll vary slightly depending on your ingredients.

So, there you have it. A few extra pointers to help you make a killer chicken mulligatawny soup . Don't be afraid to experiment and have fun.

Happy cooking, you absolute legend! Enjoy your taste of the British Raj cuisine !

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is chicken mulligatawny soup anyway? It sounds a bit posh!

Chicken Mulligatawny soup is a flavourful soup that originated in India during the British Raj. Think of it as a British take on Indian flavours a delicious blend of chicken, lentils, vegetables, curry spices, and often coconut milk.

It's hearty, warming, and surprisingly easy to make at home, even if you're not used to wielding a silver spoon!

Can I make chicken mulligatawny soup vegetarian? I'm trying to cut down on meat.

Absolutely! You can easily adapt this recipe to be vegetarian. Simply omit the chicken and swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth. Consider adding diced potatoes, sweet potatoes, or cauliflower along with the other vegetables to bulk it out. It will be just as comforting, even without the chicken.

My chicken mulligatawny soup tastes a bit bland. How can I boost the flavour?

A bland Mulligatawny? That's a culinary crime! First, make sure your spices are fresh. Stale spices lose their potency quickly. Try adding a squeeze more lime juice to brighten it up, or a touch more curry powder (or even a pinch of garam masala) for extra depth. A dollop of plain yogurt can also balance the flavors.

How long does chicken mulligatawny soup last, and what's the best way to store it?

Chicken Mulligatawny soup is even better the next day, like a good stew or curry. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2-3 months. Just be aware that the texture of the lentils might change slightly after freezing.

Can I adjust the spice level in this chicken mulligatawny soup? I'm not a massive fan of super hot food.

Of course! Spice is a personal preference, a bit like choosing your favorite Doctor Who. If you're spice averse, start with a mild curry powder and omit the cayenne pepper entirely. You can always add a pinch of cayenne or a dash of hot sauce at the end if you want a little kick. Taste as you go!

I don't have coconut milk. What can I use instead in my chicken mulligatawny soup?

No coconut milk? Don't fret! While coconut milk adds a lovely creaminess and subtle sweetness, you can substitute it. Heavy cream will provide a similar richness, though it won't have the same flavour. Greek yogurt will also work, adding a tangier flavour profile.

Alternatively, try cashew cream for a dairy-free alternative with a similar richness.