Caldo de gallina criolla - Chicken Soup in Loja Ecuador

 Chicken soup is good for the soul. In fact, this global dish is good for whatever ails you. So what makes this soup special in Loja, Ecuador? The short answer is the prime ingredient: Loja’s criolla chickens. There is some variation in the other ingredients for ‘Caldo de gallina criolla’ or creole chicken broth depending on the Lojana chef, but if at all possible, start with this local favorite among backyard pullets. 

Of course, this begs the question of what exactly is a gallina criolla or creole chicken? Many will say the bird came from Spain during the colonial period, but recent testing has shown that Ecuadorian chickens share DNA with an Asian variety. What’s more, Spanish conqueror Francisco Pizarro recounts chickens already being present in the country among indigenous people when he arrived. Scientists speculate that Ecuador’s chickens are from polynesia coming on shore in Chile because this variety seems to be their closest relative. The criolla is small, does not require much feed, and lays eggs less often than common chickens but the eggs often have a pretty pale blue shell. The testing also shows that these birds have a relationship to the chickens that did come during the conquests from southern Spain, and that they have little to no interbreeding with mass produced agricultural poultry. This may be one the secrets to their good taste, along with being free range out in the Lojano countryside. 

Our direct Lojana source for information about local chicken soup says chickens from the campo or countryside that are slow cooked in clay pots over an open wood fire are best. What about the other ingredients in the soup? There will be a mirepoix to start that might include onions or leeks, garlic, celery, parsley, carrots, and other aromatics on hand that go in to cook with the criolla chicken cut up in bowl-sized pieces. Salt, pepper, and cumin might also go in at the start. Some cooks may also whizz up a refrito marinade with similar ingredients mentioned above to flavor the broth. 

Mote (corn)

Finished chicken broth in Loja might have fresh chopped cilantro added before serving, some cooked yuca or cassava root, and a side of mote (boiled and skinned corn kernels). Are you hungry yet? For more information about where to order the soup or buy the ingredients, contact Life In Loja.

Life in Loja is dedicated to exploring all things Ecuadorian in this special region at the end of the Andean rainbow. If you’d like to explore the tastes of Loja and many of our other cultural and natural wonders, or if you would like more information about visiting or relocating in Loja, contact us by email, or phone/WhatsApp at 593-098-674-5994.

Life In Loja is registered under Ecuador’s department of intellectual rights as of 2022.

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