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Queen's 'lunchtime staple' is a 'powerhouse' of nutrients and it's so easy to make

Reach Daily Express | May 11, 2025 4:39 PM CST

's lunchtime staple is a treasured Royal Family recipe that and has been praised by diet experts for its nutrients. According to the her son, Tom Parker Bowles, the Queen has a that she'll often tuck into for lunch - and it's so easy to make at home.

The is chicken broth, packed with all the good nutrients, depending on the season. Mr Parker Bowles wrote in his book Cooking & The Crown: "This is my mother, Queen Camilla's, lunchtime staple. It's light yet sustaining and endlessly adaptable. 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." He also listed the ingredients to make enough for four people.

Ingredients:

1.5 litres good dark chicken stock
2 chicken thighs, roasted, cooled and shredded
Juice of 1 lemon
A lusty dash of Tabasco (optional)
A big pinch of salt
A big screw of black pepper
A handful of grated parmesan, to serve (optional)

Summer:

A handful of broad beans
A handful of peas (fresh or frozen)
A fistful of spinach, finely chopped
A handful of runner beans, thinly sliced

Winter:

1 medium potato, finely diced and parboiled
1 carrot, finely diced
1 celery stick, finely diced
Savoy cabbage, thinly shredded

Method:

Bring the stock to the boil and reduce by a third, then add the shredded chicken.

Add the potato, carrot and celery (if using), and simmer for 3 minutes or so until tender, adding the cabbage for the final minute. If using broad beans, peas, spinach and runner beans, they only need a minute.

Add the lemon juice, Tabasco, if using, and seasoning. Pour into 4 bowls, sprinkle with parmesan, if using, and serve.

The Queen's favourite lunchtime meal was praised by a nutrition expert who said the summer dish's use of spinach, which is a "powerhouse" full of nutrients, is renowned for its role in controlling blood pressure.

Helen Bell, a nutritional expert at Help & Advice previously told the Express: "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."