Saoto

Saoto – flavorful Surinamese chicken soup
Suriname
⏱ — min. Serves: —

Saoto is a flavorful chicken soup that embodies the rich culinary heritage of Suriname. Often enjoyed during family gatherings and special occasions, it features a blend of aromatic spices and fresh ingredients, reflecting the country's diverse cultural influences. This comforting dish is perfect for warm gatherings or a cozy meal at home.

⚡ Medium 🔥 ~350 kcal / serving

Ingredients

  • 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 large onions, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1-inch piece ginger, grated
  • 2 stalks lemongrass, bruised and tied into knots
  • 3 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 8 cups chicken broth or water
  • 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 1 small cabbage, shredded
  • 1 cup bean sprouts
  • 2 hard-boiled eggs, sliced
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • Fried onions (for garnish)
  • Sambal (optional, for serving)
  • Cooked rice or vermicelli noodles (for serving)

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken

In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.

Add the chicken pieces and brown them on all sides. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.

Cook the Aromatics

In the same pot, add the finely chopped onions and sauté until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.

Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Add the Spices and Broth

Stir in the ground coriander, ground cumin, and ground turmeric.

Add the lemongrass knots and bay leaves to the pot.

Return the browned chicken to the pot and pour in the chicken broth or water.

Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

Prepare the Vegetables

Remove the chicken pieces from the pot and set aside to cool slightly.

Add the diced potatoes and sliced carrots to the pot. Simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.

Shred the Chicken

Once the chicken is cool enough to handle, shred the meat into bite-sized pieces, discarding the skin and bones.

Return the shredded chicken to the pot.

Add Remaining Ingredients

Stir in the shredded cabbage and bean sprouts. Cook for another 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

Add the soy sauce, lime juice, salt, and black pepper to taste.

Serve

To serve, place a portion of cooked rice or vermicelli noodles in a bowl.

Ladle the saoto soup over the rice or noodles.

Top with sliced hard-boiled eggs, fresh cilantro, and fried onions.

Enjoy your meal!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Saoto?

Saoto is a traditional Surinamese chicken soup known for its aromatic spices and rich flavors. It is a dish that combines various cultural influences, making it unique to Suriname.

Where does Saoto come from?

Saoto originates from Suriname, a country in South America known for its diverse culinary traditions shaped by its multicultural population.

What are the main ingredients in Saoto?

Key ingredients in Saoto include whole chicken, onions, garlic, ginger, lemongrass, bay leaves, and ground coriander.

How long does Saoto take to make?

Preparing Saoto takes approximately 80-105 minutes from start to finish.

What do you serve with Saoto?

Saoto is often served with rice or steamed vegetables. Additionally, you can accompany it with fried plantains or a side salad for a complete meal.