Used to support the body for cold winter weather. It warms digestion and boosts the
immune system. Chicken soup is very nutritious, easy to prepare and easy on the
digestive system. It’s a great meal to dig into on a cold winter’s evening.
A packetful of herbs (available in store) is added to the simple recipe to boost nutrition value:
● Dang Shen (Codonopsis) used in Chinese Medicine to boost Qi, improves metabolism, decreases fatigue, strengthens and regulates the digestive system
● Shan Yao (Chinese Yam) used in Chinese Medicine to strengthen the digestive system, hydrate the digestive and respiratory systems
● Hong Zao (Chinese Red Dates, Jujube) commonly used in Chinese cooking to add a subtle sweetness in savoury dishes. These dates are used to tonify
Qi, improve Blood quality, and calm the spirit.
● Gou Qi Zi (Goji berries) is high in antioxidants and Vitamin C. Gou Qi Zi is traditionally used in Chinese cooking and medicine to nourish and hydrate.
Ingredients (in packet):
Dang Shen – 2 sticks
Shan Yao – 5 pieces
Hong Zao – 6 pieces
Gou Qi ZI – small handful
Ingredients (add at home):
1 Fresh large chicken (preferably organic)
10cm chunk of fresh ginger
1 clove of garlic
1 good pinch of salt
2 large carrots, sliced
2L of water
Method:
1. Rinse and soak all the herbs
2. Add all herbs (except Goji berries) into a large pot of cold water and bring to
the boil
3. Quarter the chicken and give the pieces a good rinse
4. When the water boils reduce to low heat and add all the ingredients
5. Cook with the lid on (slightly ajar) for 45 minutes
6. Skim off excess fats and scum before serving
Notes:
● Traditionally served on the bone, but meat can be removed and shredded beforehand
● Feel free to add veg/barley/pasta to suit yourself (at Step 4)
● Traditionally, the scum that floats to the top is scooped off every 15-20 minutes – leaving a clear broth without impurities. If this is inconvenient, make sure you use your hands to give the chicken pieces a thorough rinse before cooking. Remove all internal organs and excess fat deposits.
Herb packets with recipe are available at Freedom Chinese Medicine for $10.50. Contact us on 9486 5966 to put one aside for you.
