Cooking With Anna – Mulaga— Molaga—Mele Kalikimake! Merry Christmas!


Even though winter doesn’t actual begin until December 21, the weather the past few weeks seems to think otherwise. As soon as we have the first chilly night, I want to curl up under a cozy blanket with a big bowl of hearty soup. Some of the classics are tomato, chili, or chicken stew.

When I’m wanting something a little different, my go to is Mulligatawny Soup. Unlike traditional Mulligatawny Soup, which has rice and apples in it, mine has a classic Southern twist by adding potatoes. The potatoes add a hearty element, making this soup truly eat like a meal and become a favorite on cold winter nights.

My sweet, Southern husband can never remember the name of this soup. He stumbles through the name and always lands on Mele Kalikimake. Now as some of you may know, Mele Kalikimake means Merry Christmas in Hawaiian. So now in our house we have Mele Kalikimake soup, especially during Christmas. So this Christmas, enjoy a big bowl and Mele Kalikimake Soup. Merry Christmas Y’all!

Directions & Ingredients

1 small onion, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 carrot, diced
1 garlic clove, minced
¼ cup butter
1 Tbsp flour
1-2 tsp curry powder
4 cups chicken broth
4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
1 lb chicken breast, cooked and shredded
1 small can diced mushrooms
½ -1 cup heavy cream
Salt and pepper to taste

Sauté onions, celery, carrot, garlic, and butter in a large soup pot until vegetables are soft. Add flour and curry, and cook for 5 minutes. Add chicken stock and mix well. Add potatoes, mushrooms, and chicken. Simmer until potatoes are tender. Stir in heavy cream. Simmer until cream is heated through. Serve with warm bread and a green salad.
By: Anna Hamilton