| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 1 hour – 1.5 hours | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 317 | 13g | 3.8g | 9g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 4g | 2g | 34g | 0.76g |
If there’s one thing that brings my love for heartland cooking and a delicious Asian favorite together, it’s the Chinese Ginger Chicken Soup. A symphony of flavors tantalizingly encased in a comforting broth, it boasts of the delectable fusion of scrumptious chicken and robust ginger, punctuated with the freshness of green onions. A tangy splash of soy sauce, coupled with the delicate sweetness of jujube fruit, lends it an edgy contrasting dimension. Indeed, if soups had a king, for me, this would be it.
A Soup In The Likeness of a Miracle Potion
This delicious Chinese Ginger Chicken Soup also packs quite the punch in terms of health benefits. The main ingredient of this broth, ginger, is a veritable powerhouse of dietary benefits. A renowned anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, adding ginger to your meals regularly, can significantly boost your immunity. Accompanied by the nutrient-rich goodness of chicken and the antioxidant properties of goji berries, this hearty broth transforms into a healthful proposition that keeps both, your palate and health satiated.
A Fond Reminiscence of Home, with an Asian Twist
The Chinese Ginger Chicken Soup also pulls at my heartstrings as it reminds me of the comforting chicken noodle soup my mother used to make, particularly during the freezing Nebraska winters. The warm, welcoming aroma of simmering broth was enough to perk us up, and convincing us to get out of our cozy quilts. The picturesque memory of sitting by the fireplace, savoring soup – a sign of warmth and love – is one that endears this recipe to me even further.
The versatility of this recipe makes it a superb standalone dish, akin to the renowned Asian Chicken Bulgogi or a great accompaniment with a light, refreshing summer salad. Its robust, full-bodied flavor profile makes it the perfect complement to a crusty bread roll or a fluffy serving of steamed rice.
In essence, the Chinese Ginger Chicken Soup is not just a recipe for me. It is a delicious amalgamation of culinary cultures, a whirl of flavors that spruce my taste buds, and a comforting recipe that fondly reminds me of my home and hearth. And these, among many others, are the reasons why this recipe will remain an all-time favorite.
What You’ll Need
- 1 whole chicken, about 3-4 lbs
- 2 thumbs fresh ginger, peeled
- 8 cups of water
- 1 cup of Chinese rice wine
- 2 tbsp of soy sauce
- 1 tsp of white pepper
- 1 tsp of salt
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 2 cups of goji berries
- 1 large jujube fruit, pitted and diced
- Cilantro for garnish
Method
Step One
Begin by cleaning the chicken thoroughly. Remove the innards if they are still present. Gently wash the outside of the chicken and ensure that it is fully dry before you proceed with the next steps.
Step Two
Slice the peeled ginger into thin pieces. If you prefer your soup to have a stronger ginger flavor, crush or mince the ginger instead.
Step Three
In a large soup pot, combine the cleaned chicken, sliced ginger, and 8 cups of water. Bring everything to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer.
Step Four
As the chicken soup cooks, skim off any impurities that float to the surface. This will help keep the soup clear and enhance its flavor.
Step Five
After about an hour of simmering, add the Chinese rice wine, soy sauce, white pepper, and salt. Stir well to distribute the spices and seasonings throughout the soup. Continue simmering for another hour, or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
Step Six
While the soup continues to simmer, prepare the goji berries and jujube fruit. Rinse the goji berries then soak them in warm water for about 10 minutes. Drain and set aside. Also, pit and dice the jujube fruit.
Step Seven
Add the pre-soaked goji berries, diced jujube fruit, and chopped green onions to the pot. Stir well then let the soup continue to simmer on low heat for another 15-20 minutes.
Step Eight
Check the seasoning of the soup. Adjust with additional salt, soy sauce or white pepper if needed.
Step Nine
Ladle the soup into individual serving bowls. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving. Enjoy your nutritious and comforting Chinese Ginger Chicken Soup while it’s hot.
