Tanna Soup (Vanuatu Chicken and Vegetable Soup with Coconut Milk)
Local name: Tanna soup
In short: Chicken, sweet potato, pumpkin and greens simmered in a gingery broth and finished with coconut milk, a mild Vanuatu soup. It takes about 1 h 10 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 20 min
- Cook
- 50 min
- Total
- 1 h 10 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 375 kcal
Tanna soup is a warming bowl found in local kitchens in Vanuatu, served as a starter or on a rainy day. Chicken simmers with root vegetables, greens and gentle seasoning, and coconut milk is stirred in near the end so the broth turns lightly creamy. Beef or seafood can take the chicken's place. This version keeps the seasoning mild, with ginger, garlic and a little chili on the side.
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Cook the onion for 4 minutes, then add the garlic and ginger and cook for 1 minute more.
- Add the chicken and water. Bring to a boil, skim off any foam, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Add the sweet potato and pumpkin and simmer for 12 minutes, until almost tender.
- Add the green beans and coconut milk and simmer for 5 minutes. Lift out the chicken and check that the thickest part reaches 74°C (165°F). Shred the meat off the bones and return it to the pot.
- Stir in the spinach and cook for 2 minutes, until wilted. Season with the salt and pepper and serve hot, with chili and lime on the side.
Tips
- Keep the soup at a gentle simmer after the coconut milk goes in, since a hard boil can split it. Add a splash of water if it thickens too much.
- Beef short rib or firm fish can replace the chicken. Cook beef for 1 hour 30 minutes before adding the vegetables, and add fish for the last 6 minutes.
Questions and answers
What is Tanna soup?
Tanna soup is a Vanuatu soup of meat or seafood with local vegetables and gentle spices, often enriched with coconut milk. It is eaten as a starter or on a rainy day.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes. Leave out the chicken, use water or vegetable stock and add 200 g (7 oz) more root vegetables and a handful of beans.
Can I freeze Tanna soup?
Yes, for up to 3 months. Freeze it without the spinach, then reheat gently and stir in fresh greens.
How long does it take to make Tanna Soup (Vanuatu Chicken and Vegetable Soup with Coconut Milk)?
About 1 h 10 min in total: 20 min of preparation and 50 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Tanna Soup (Vanuatu Chicken and Vegetable Soup with Coconut Milk)?
About 375 kcal per serving, with 26 g of protein, 26 g of carbohydrates and 19 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 375 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 26 g |
| Carbohydrates | 26 g |
| Fat | 19 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sugar | 8 g |
| Sodium | 700 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
