Caribbean Chicken Noodle Soup

There are a few different variations on chicken noodle soup. Some people use squash, some people like to use boiled dumplings and green banana. But I like to keep mine simple.

chcienk nooble soup

For my soup which was 4 portions I used:

  • 4 skinless chicken thighs
  • 3×2” piece of ginger (sliced into long flat pieces)
  • 3 garlic gloves (left whole)
  • 1 scotch bonnet (whole to be removed after cooking)
  • 4 sprigs of fresh thyme (left whole) set a few little leave aside to garnish
  • 4 carrots ( roughly chopped into 2 cm pieces)
  • 500g of Yam ( roughly chopped into 3 cm pieces)
  • 4 tables spoons of olive oil
  • 1 heaped table spoon of Caribbean curry powder (not the usual one used in Indian cooking)
  • 1 packet of cock or chicken noodle soup
  • You should be able to buy all of these ingredient in Tesco or Salisbury

photo (2)

  1. Seal/brown your chicken in a frying pan using a little olive oil
  2. Boil the yam for 2 minutes then add the carrots and boil for another 8 minutes
  3. Use the water from the vegetables to make the base of the soup and add the water and chicken into a large saucepan.
  4. Add the scotch bonnet pepper, garlic and ginger to the soup, and bring to the boil, boil it for 10 minutes and then cook on a low heat for 20 minutes.
  5. Add the cock soup sachet, stir it in well and let it simmer for another 8 minutes.
  6. Add the yam and carrots back into the pot for the last 2 minutes to heat through

Stage 6 is also where you would add in any other veg you wanted to use or some precooked boiled dumplings.

When you serve season it with some cracked black pepper, taste the soup before you add any salt.

Use the thyme leave you saved over to sprinkle these over the top.

Tag me on Instagram or Twitter show me how it turned out. #goodlookingcooking

Pollen Street Social

I love Fridays, who doesn’t love Fridays?
Last week I visited Pollen Street Social on…. Pollen Street, London.
It’s owned by Jason Atherton and is the flag ship restaurant of the 5 others dotted around London.
Pollen Street Social has contemporary design, with a minimal but warm feel. There are intimate dining booths, tables for larger groups and private dining rooms. I went for lunch with seven other media geeks, and had a gorgeous afternoon. Perks of the job!
The welcome is warm and friendly, your coats are taken a to be hung up, and you are lead to your table.
 Pollen Street Social offers tempting cocktails, spirits and an extensive wine list, with a connoisseur on hand to help you choose something to compliment your food.

Firstly you are asked if you would like some Amuse-bouche, different from appetizers that they are not ordered from a menu, but, when served, are done so free and according to the chef’s selection.

when they are arrived presented on double tiered wooden serving platter I couldn’t wait to tuck in.
Cheese churros with spiced dipping sauce, mushroom tea poured over Parmesan foam, sweetcorn muffins, and dried olive mini crackers.
The Amuse-bouche were really tasty and put me in the mood for what was to come. The mushroom tea poured over Parmesan foam was amazing.
To start I had the line caught Devon squid cooked in cauliflower, roasted squid juices, ink rice & sea herbs. It wasn’t what I was expecting when it arrived, as the squid had a risotto texture and with the cauliflower sauce was delicate, almost bland.
 The main on the other hand was a perfectly matched group of strong flavours that left you wanting more. It was rich without being over powering and cooked perfectly.
One of the biggest disappointments was that we completely ran out of time and had to be back at work, which means I didn’t get to try a dessert. I still haven’t gotten over the fact I didn’t have dessert and might have to pop back just to have one, even if it means a table for one.
Overall the food was great, service was perfect and the staff were extremely polite and welcoming. It’s the perfect place for a birthday dinner, anniversary, or an impressive 3rd date spot. It’s not cheap be prepared to spend at least £50 per person.

Dessert bar