Tom Parker Bowles has shared a cherished Royal Family recipe that his mother often eats at lunchtime. Known as ‘Queen Camilla’s Chicken Broth’, the versatile recipe offers two seasonal variations – a robust winter version and a lighter summer one with a superfood element.
Tom praised the dish’s flexibility in his book, encouraging readers to tailor it to their preferences. “This is Queen Camilla’s lunchtime staple,” he penned in ‘Cooking & The Crown‘.
“In winter, carrots, thinly sliced cabbage and potatoes provide the ballast, while in spring and summer, broad beans, peas, spinach and runner beans take their place. But feel free to throw in whatever you like, from chopped artichoke hearts, to asparagus, swede, watercress and green beans.”
For those eager to delve into Royal culinary traditions, Tom outlined the ingredients needed for four servings. These include:
- Lemon (for the juice)
- Dash of salt, Tabasco and pepper
- Parmesan
- Chicken thighs
- Chicken stock
For the winter dish:
- Carrot
- Savoy cabbage
- Potato
- Celery stick
Or, for the summer dish:
- Spinach
- Peas
- Runner beans
- Broad beans
Tom’s method is straightforward. Start by boiling 1.5 litres of stock, before turning down the heat by a third. Then it’s time to add the chicken, which needs prior roasting and shredding, followed by a variety of vegetables.
Once the dish is nearly complete, a dash of lemon juice, salt, pepper, and tabasco can be added to taste. Helen Bell, a nutrition expert at Help & Advice, also notes that Queen Camilla’s recipe is not only adaptable, but also rich in fibre, which is beneficial for digestive health.
Furthermore, she highlighted that spinach – used in the summer variation – is a ‘powerhouse’ of nutrients, commonly lauded for their role in controlling blood pressure. In an interview with the Express, she said: “The ingredient list for [the] chicken broth is quite robust and varied, which can contribute to a well-rounded flavour profile and nutritional content.
“Spinach is indeed known for its potential benefits in managing high blood pressure. It is rich in nitrates, which can help dilate blood vessels, improving blood flow and reducing blood pressure. I have often recommended incorporating spinach into diets for individuals looking to manage their blood pressure naturally.
“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 wellbeing.”
A number of studies also point to a connection between spinach intake and reducing the risk of cancer. This includes 2007 research which ‘found some evidence that risk of aggressive prostate cancer decreased with increasing spinach consumption’.
Yet, Helen highlighted the need for further research, stating: “There is ongoing research into the anti-cancer properties of spinach.
“In my view, incorporating spinach as part of a balanced diet rich in a variety of fruits and vegetables can contribute to overall health and may play a role in reducing the risk of certain cancers. However, it’s important to recognise that more research is necessary to understand the extent of these benefits fully.”
Later, she added: “I would consider this chicken broth a healthy dish due to its diverse range of ingredients that provide various nutrients. The combination of protein from chicken, vitamins and minerals from the vegetables, and healthy fats from the parmesan creates a nutritionally balanced meal.
“However, I always recommend moderating the amount of salt and being mindful of portion sizes to maintain a healthy lifestyle. In my experience, dishes like this can be both nourishing and satisfying if consumed as part of a varied and balanced diet.”