Tom Parker Bowles has dished out the details on a favourite Royal Family recipe, one that his mother, Queen Camilla, often 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 one featuring a superfood twist.
In his new book, ‘Cooking & The Crown‘, Tom praised the meal for its adaptability, inviting readers to customise it to their taste. “This is Queen Camilla’s lunchtime staple,” he penned.
“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 keen to try their hand at Royal cooking, Tom suggests stocking up on the following ingredients for four plates-worth:
- 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 simple: start by boiling 1.5 litres of stock, then reduce the heat by a third. Then, it’s time to throw in the chicken, which needs roasting and shredding beforehand, followed by a myriad of vegetables.
In a matter of minutes, the dish should be ready, and lemon juice, salt, pepper and tabasco can be added for an extra kick. Aside from its lightness and adaptability, Helen Bell, a nutritional expert at Help & Advice, claimed that Queen Camilla’s recipe holds an impressive amount of fibre too, which is especially beneficial for digestive health.
Plus, she highlighted how the summer dish’s use of spinach—a ‘powerhouse’ full of nutrients—is renowned for its role in controlling blood pressure. Chatting to the Express, Bell endorsed the broth saying: “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.”
Remarkably, previous studies have found potential links between spinach consumption and a slashed risk of cancer as well. This includes a 2007 studywhich ‘found some evidence that risk of aggressive prostate cancer decreased with increasing spinach consumption’.
Despite this, Helen claimed that more research is necessary to better understand the extent of these benefits. She explained: “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.”
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Later, she also 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.”
