| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 1 hour 15 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 135 | 3g | 1g | 11g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 6g | 2g | 12g | 0.33g |
I am absolutely enamored with the eclectic mix of flavors and textures in the Chinese Mallow Soup. This vegetable-based recipe is a delightful combination of fresh Chinese Mallow, juicy red dates, and nutritious Goji berries, all married together in a hearty, comforting soup. The inclusion of a boneless chicken breast adds a robust foundation to the dish and the ginger lends a touch of warmth and spice that wonderfully complements the overall flavor profile.
A Raw Connection to My Roots
This recipe holds a special place in my heart as it creates a beautiful fusion that resonates with my own blend of West Coast freshness and Gujarati heritage. The intermingling of different ingredients and flavors in the Chinese Mallow Soup reminds me of how diverse cultures, when blended together, can produce something truly remarkable and unique.
A Nutritional Powerhouse
Beyond the flavorful delight that it is, Chinese Mallow Soup is a powerhouse of health benefits. Chinese Mallow, or Luo Shi Gua, is known for its impressive set of health benefits. It’s a rich source of fiber and vitamins, and is popularly consumed for weight loss. On the other hand, the Goji Berries are noted for their high antioxidant contents and their potential to combat aging. Not to mention, the ginger in the recipe not only adds a spicy kick but also boosts digestion.
Of course, it’s not just about the health benefits. It’s about inviting my family to gather around at the dinner table and nourishing their bodies with this lovingly prepared soup. Mind you, my husband Faisal and our two sons are not easy to impress, but this dish manages to win their hearts every single time!
Perfect Pairings
While this soup definitely takes center stage in any meal, it pairs beautifully with other dishes as well. Its light yet fulfilling nature makes it a fantastic complement to a steamy bowl of fried rice or a plate of dumplings. Alternatively, for a heavier course, it can be accompanied by a serving of grilled meat or roasted vegetables.
From my kitchen to yours, I hope you fall in love with this dish just as my family and I have. Happy cooking!
What You’ll Need
- 1 Chinese Mallow (Luo Shi Gua), roughly 2 pounds
- 8 cups of water
- 6 dried red jujube (Chinese red dates), pitted
- 1/2 cup goji berries
- 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast, approximately 1/2 pound
- 1 piece of fresh ginger, about 1 inch long
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
Method
Step One
Heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat in a large soup pot. Add the chicken breast to the pot. Cook on both sides until they turn white, about 5 minutes per side.
Step Two
In the same pot, add the ginger and let it sauté until it becomes fragrant. This usually takes about 1 minute.
Step Three
Pour the water into the pot. Once the water starts to boil, lower the heat to medium-low.
Step Four
While waiting for the water to boil, prepare the Chinese Mallow (Luo Shi Gua). You need to wash it thoroughly and cut it into bite-sized pieces.
Step Five
Add the pieces of Chinese Mallow, dried red jujube, and goji berries to the pot.
Step Six
Cover the pot and let the soup cook for around 30 minutes or until the Chinese Mallow is tender.
Step Seven
Once the Chinese Mallow is tender, add the salt and stir well to combine.
Step Eight
Let the soup cool a bit before serving. The Chinese Mallow Soup is now ready to be enjoyed.
