Tom Parker Bowles has revealed the details of a favourite Royal family recipeone that his mother, Queen Camilleoften prepares for lunch. The dish, known as ‘Queen Camilla’s Chicken Broth’, is versatile with two seasonal variations: a hearty winter version and a lighter summer version with a superfood twist.
In his new book ‘Cooking and the crown‘, Tom praised the meal for its adaptability and invited readers to customize it to their own taste. “This is Queen Camilla’s main course for lunch,” he wrote.
“In winter, carrots, thinly sliced cabbage and potatoes provide the ballast, while in spring and summer broad beans, peas, spinach and string beans take their place. But you can throw in whatever you like, from chopped artichoke hearts to asparagus, turnip, watercress and green beans.”
For those who would like to try Royal Cooking, Tom suggests stocking up on the following ingredients for four plates:
- Lemon (for the juice)
- Pinch of salt, Tabasco and pepper
- Parmesan cheese
- Chicken thighs
- Chicken broth
For the winter dish:
- Root
- Savoy cabbage
- Potato
- Celery stalk
Or, for the summer dish:
- Spinach
- Peas
- Runner beans
- Broad beans
Tom’s method is simple: start by boiling 1.5 liters of stock and then reduce the heat by a third. Then it’s time to throw in the chicken, which needs to be roasted and shredded beforehand, followed by a host of vegetables.
The dish is ready within a few minutes and you can add lemon juice, salt, pepper and Tabasco for an extra kick. Apart from its lightness and adaptability, Helen Bell, a nutritionist at Help & AdviceQueen Camilla’s claimed recipe also contains an impressive amount of fiber, which is especially beneficial for digestion.
Furthermore, she highlighted how the use of spinach in the summer dish – a ‘powerhouse’ full of nutrients – is known for its role in controlling blood pressure. Speaking to the Express, Bell endorsed the stock, saying: “The ingredient list for (the) chicken stock is quite robust and varied, which can contribute to a well-rounded flavor profile and nutritional value.
“Spinach is indeed known for its potential benefits in controlling high blood pressure. It is rich in nitrates, which can help widen blood vessels, improve blood flow and lower blood pressure. I have often recommended including spinach in diets for people who want to take control of their lives. blood pressure of course.
“Aside from this, spinach is a powerhouse of nutrients, including vitamins A, C and K, as well as iron and calcium. Its antioxidant properties make it beneficial for overall health and well-being.”
Remarkably, previous studies have found potential links between spinach consumption and… a reduced risk of cancer also. This includes a Study from 2007which found ‘some evidence that the risk of aggressive prostate cancer decreased as spinach consumption increased’.
Despite this, Helen claimed that more research is needed to better understand the extent of these benefits. She explained: ‘There is ongoing research into spinach’s anti-cancer properties.
“In my opinion, including spinach as part of a balanced diet rich in a variety of fruits and vegetables can contribute to overall health and play a role in reducing the risk of certain cancers. However, it is important to recognize that more research is needed to fully understand the magnitude of these benefits.”
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She also later added, “I would consider this chicken stock a healthy dish because of the diverse range of ingredients that provide different nutrients. The combination of proteins from chicken, vitamins and minerals from vegetables and healthy fats from parmesan cheese provides a nutritionally balanced meal.
“However, I always recommend moderating the amount of salt and taking portion sizes into account to maintain a healthy lifestyle. In my experience, these types of dishes can be both nutritious and satisfying when consumed as part of a varied diet. and balanced diet.”