Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables

1. Cut Chicken: Cut the chicken thighs or breasts into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch cubes. This ensures even cooking and makes it easier to eat in the soup.
2. Chop Vegetables: Dice the onion, mince the garlic and ginger (you can grate the ginger if preferred), peel and dice the sweet potato or carrots into bite-sized pieces, and chop the cauliflower or broccoli into small florets. Preparing all vegetables upfront ensures a smooth cooking process.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Chicken

1. Heat Oil: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil or coconut oil over medium-high heat. Ensure the pot is large enough to accommodate all the soup ingredients.
2. Sauté Onion: Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-5 minutes, until softened and translucent. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
3. Add Garlic and Ginger: Add the minced garlic and ginger to the pot and sauté for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will become bitter. The fragrant aromatics are the foundation of the soup’s flavor.
4. Add Chicken and Spices: Add the cubed chicken to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides. Browning the chicken adds depth of flavor to the soup. Once the chicken is browned, add the curry powder, turmeric, cumin, coriander, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for another minute, stirring constantly, until the spices are fragrant and coat the chicken. This “blooming” of the spices enhances their flavor.

Step 3: Build the Soup Base

1. Add Broth and Coconut Milk: Pour in the chicken broth and coconut milk. Stir well to combine all the ingredients and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot – these browned bits add flavor.
2. Add Root Vegetables: Add the diced sweet potato or carrots to the pot. Bring the soup to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sweet potatoes or carrots are tender. Simmering allows the flavors to meld together and the vegetables to soften.

Step 4: Add Remaining Vegetables and Finish

1. Add Cauliflower or Broccoli: Add the cauliflower or broccoli florets to the pot and simmer for another 5-7 minutes, or until they are tender-crisp. Cooking these vegetables last prevents them from becoming mushy.
2. Stir in Frozen Peas or Spinach: Stir in the frozen peas or spinach. Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the peas are heated through and the spinach is wilted. Adding these at the very end keeps them fresh and vibrant.
3. Season to Taste: Season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Start with a teaspoon of salt and adjust as needed. Taste and adjust spices further if desired.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

1. Serve Hot: Ladle the Cozy Chicken Curry Soup into bowls and serve hot.
2. Garnish (Optional): Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley, if desired. You can also add a dollop of plain yogurt or a squeeze of lime juice for extra freshness and flavor.