Creamy Mulligatawny Soup
Jessica T. Brown
A creamy, aromatic Mulligatawny soup with tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a touch of apple sweetness—high in protein and fiber, comforting yet nutritious, perfect for quick weeknight meals or meal prep.
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Cook Time 1 hour hr
Total Time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins
Course Main Course, Soup
Cuisine Comfort Food, Indian-inspired,
- ½ cup chopped onion
- 2 stalks celery chopped
- 1 carrot diced
- ¼ cup butter
- 1 ½ tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons curry powder
- 4 cups chicken broth
- ½ apple cored and chopped
- ¼ cup white rice
- 1 skinless boneless chicken breast half, cut into cubes
- 1 pinch dried thyme
- Salt and ground black pepper to taste
- ½ cup heavy cream heated
Prep the Vegetables: Wash, peel, and chop the onion, celery, and carrot into small, uniform pieces to ensure even cooking; core and dice the apple and set aside, keeping all ingredients ready for quick assembly. Sauté Aromatics: In a large soup pot over medium heat, melt the butter until foaming, then add the chopped onion, celery, and carrot; cook while stirring occasionally for 5–7 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and fragrant, creating a flavorful base. Create the Curry Roux: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour and curry powder over the softened vegetables, stirring continuously for 3–5 minutes so the spices bloom and the mixture thickens slightly, forming a smooth, aromatic roux that enhances the soup’s flavor. Add Broth and Simmer: Gradually pour in the chicken broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil; reduce heat to low and allow it to simmer for about 30 minutes, letting the flavors meld and deepen beautifully. Incorporate Main Ingredients: Stir in the diced apple, white rice, chicken cubes, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper; continue to simmer for 15–20 minutes until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked, infusing the soup with wholesome flavors. Finish with Cream: Just before serving, slowly add the hot heavy cream while stirring gently, allowing it to blend seamlessly into the soup, creating a rich, velvety texture without curdling. Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the Mulligatawny soup into bowls, garnish if desired, and serve immediately while warm, offering a comforting, protein-rich, and fiber-packed meal perfect for any day.
- Use fresh vegetables for maximum flavor and nutrition.
- Adjust curry powder according to your preferred spice level.
- Chicken breast can be substituted with thighs for richer taste.
- For a vegetarian version, replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit chicken.
- Stir frequently when adding cream to prevent curdling.
- Leftover soup thickens as it cools; add extra broth when reheating if needed.