1. 1 tablespoon (14ml) olive or canola oil
2. 2 tablespoons (28g) butter
3. 1 large onion, chopped (about 2 cups)
4. 2 bay leaves
5. 2-3 teaspoons (10g-15g) minced garlic
6. 1 tablespoon (6.39g) curry powder
7. ½ teaspoon (1.5g) ground cumin
8. 2 ribs of celery, chopped (about 1 cup)
9. 2 carrots, chopped (about 1 cup)
10. 2 cups (480ml) chicken stock
11. 1 cup (237ml) water
12. 1 can of coconut milk (or 1¾ cup homemade coconut milk)
13. ⅓ cup (61.67g) uncooked basmati rice
14. 1-2 apples, cored, peeled, and chopped
15. ½ teaspoon (1g) cayenne pepper
16. Juice from one lime
17. Salt and pepper to taste
18. Chopped parsley or cilantro for garnish

Guidelines:

1. Season the Chicken: To start, sprinkle curry powder, cumin, garlic, salt, and pepper on the chicken thighs. For a consistent flavour coating, carefully work the spice mix into the meat. Let the chicken rest while you prepare the soup’s base.
   Guidelines:
2. Season the Chicken: To start, sprinkle curry powder, cumin, garlic, salt, and pepper on the chicken thighs. For a consistent flavour coating, carefully work the spice mix into the meat. Let the chicken rest while you prepare the soup’s base.
3. Add the vegetables and liquid. Cook for a further two to three minutes after adding the diced carrots and celery. After adding the coconut milk, water, and chicken stock, boil the mixture gently.
4. Cook the Rice and Chicken: Place the browned chicken thighs into the pot along with the uncooked basmati rice. Simmer the soup until the rice is cooked and the chicken is tender, approximately 20 minutes.
5. Add the Apples and Spice: Cook the chopped apples for a further five minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are soft but not mushy. Stir in the cayenne pepper. Take out the chicken thighs, use two forks to shred them, and then put the shredded chicken back in the saucepan.
6. To complete the soup, add the lime juice and taste and adjust the flavour with salt and pepper.
7. Garnish and Serve: Spoon soup into individual dishes and sprinkle with chopped cilantro or parsley. Serve hot with a side order of naan or crispy bread.

In conclusion, every mouthful of our Spiced Comfort Mulligatawny Soup offers warmth and richness due to its exquisite combination of flavours and textures. This soup is the ideal comfort meal with a modern twist, thanks to the mix of soft chicken, aromatic spices, and the gently sweet taste of apples. This soup is going to become a mainstay in your recipe collection, whether you’re eating it on a chilly day or presenting it as a special appetiser for a dinner party. Savour the comfort and depth of flavour that this distinctive Mulligatawny adds to your meal!