🎀北芪黨參花膠雞湯|補氣血滋潤皮膚|Chinese Herbal Chicken Soup

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the process of making a nourishing Chinese herbal chicken soup featuring dried fish maw and various traditional Chinese herbs. This soup is known for its health benefits, including boosting energy and improving skin hydration. Perfect for anyone looking to enhance their well-being with comforting homemade food.

Step 1: Gather Ingredients

Collect all the necessary ingredients to prepare the soup. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 113 grams (4 oz) dried fish maw
• 906 grams (2 lbs) chicken drumsticks
• Some ginger (to taste)
• 1 tablespoon cooking wine (Shaoxing wine)
• 43 grams (1.5 oz) dried lily bulb
• 21 grams (0.75 oz) dried goji berries
• 21 grams (0.75 oz) astragalus
• 28 grams (1 oz) Chinese yam
• 28 grams (1 oz) dried polygonatum (yu zhu)
• 10 red dates
• 21 grams (0.75 oz) dang shen (Codonopsis)
• 4.5 liters of water

Step 2: Prepare the Ingredients

Before cooking, it's essential to prepare your ingredients properly.

1. Soak Dried Ingredients:

   • Soak the dried fish maw, dried lily bulbs, goji berries, astragalus, Chinese yam, and dried polygonatum in warm water for about 30 minutes to soften them. This will enhance their texture and flavor.

2. Clean the Chicken:

   • Rinse the chicken drumsticks under cold water and pat them dry.

3. Slice the Ginger:

   • Peel and slice the ginger into thin pieces for added flavor.

Step 3: Start Cooking the Soup

Now it’s time to combine everything and start the cooking process.

1. Boil Water:

   • In a large pot, bring 4.5 liters of water to a boil.

2. Add Chicken and Ginger:

   • Once the water is boiling, add the chicken drumsticks and sliced ginger. Let it boil for about 5 minutes to remove impurities.

3. Skim the Surface:

   • Use a ladle to skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface.

Step 4: Incorporate Herbs and Seasoning

Enhance the flavor and health benefits of your soup by adding the prepared herbs.

1. Add Soaked Ingredients:

   • After skimming the foam, add the soaked fish maw, dried lily bulbs, goji berries, astragalus, Chinese yam, dried polygonatum, red dates, and dang shen to the pot.

2. Add Cooking Wine:

   • Pour in 1 tablespoon of cooking wine (Shaoxing wine) for depth of flavor.

3. Simmer:

   • Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours. This slow cooking allows the flavors to meld and the nutrients to infuse into the broth.

Step 5: Final Touches

Once the soup has finished cooking, it’s time to serve.

1. Adjust Seasoning:

   • Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You can add salt or other spices according to your preference.

2. Serve Hot:

   • Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy it hot. This dish is particularly comforting during colder months or when you need a health boost.

Conclusion

You have successfully made a nourishing Chinese herbal chicken soup. This recipe not only provides comfort but also offers various health benefits thanks to the combination of chicken and traditional herbs. Enjoy this soup regularly for its energy-boosting properties and skin-nourishing effects. Consider experimenting with different herbs based on availability or personal preference for additional health benefits.