| Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 1 hr 30 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 639 | 24g | 6g | 58g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 17g | 11g | 46g | 1.3g |
I have always had a soft spot for recipes that combine tradition with an out-of-the-box approach—that’s exactly what my Deulkkae Samgyetang (Korean Perilla Chicken Soup) does. Rooted in flavors that would make my Italian grandparents proud, with a touch of my American upbringing, this dish showcases how culinary exploration can result in mouthwatering masterpieces. Just like the spaghetti meatballs from my childhood, Deulkkae Samgyetang warms the soul and creates a place at the table for everyone.
Bridging Cultures Through Food
This recipe resonates with me particularly for its authenticity and the beautiful union it creates between different food cultures. True to Korean cuisine, Deulkkae Samgyetang blends sweet, savory, and a bit of spice in a harmonious balance. Think of this dish as the eastern cousin to Italian chicken soup; kindred in spirit, comforting the soul, and brimming with delicious tradition. Pair it with a simple salad or a bowl of rice for a fulfilling meal.
The Health Booster in a Bowl
But it’s not just the taste that makes me love this recipe so much. Deulkkae Samgyetang is a magical concoction of ingredients with a concoction of health benefits. The humble chestnut is packed full of fiber, vitamins and minerals. The Perilla seeds (deulkkae) are a powerhouse source of Omega-3 fatty acids known to benefit heart health. And let’s not forget about garlic, our old-times favorite fighter against common colds and flu. Plus, jujubes (red dates), known to boost immune function and improve digestion, makes this soup a superhero meal. Who said delicious food couldn’t be healthy?
A hike through the trails of New Jersey is even more rewarding if you know a bowl of Deulkkae Samgyetang is waiting for you at home. It’s that kind of food that not just appeases appetite, but also nourishes the body and soul. Whether you’re making it for a regular family meal or a festive gathering, Deulkkae Samgyetang always fits the occasion – it’s a true culinary celebration.
Inspired to give this recipe a go? Here’s a handy external guide to help you prepare your own Deulkkae Samgyetang at home.
What You’ll Need
- 6 small Cornish hens
- 1 cup sweet rice
- 18 jujubes (red dates)
- 18 gingers slices
- 3 cups perilla (deulkkae) seeds
- 12 cloves of garlic
- 6 green onions
- 18 chestnuts (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method
Step One
Clean the Cornish hens thoroughly and trim off any excess fat. Make sure to also clean the cavity of the hens.
Step Two
Soak the sweet rice in cold water for about 30 minutes.
Step Three
While the rice is soaking, prepare the other ingredients. Rinse the jujubes and ginger slices under cold water. Finely chop the perilla seeds, green onions, and garlic cloves.
Step Four
After the rice has soaked, drain it and mix it with the jujubes, ginger slices, perilla seeds, garlic, and green onions.
Step Five
Stuff each hen with an even amount of the rice mixture. If using, also place 3 chestnuts inside each hen.
Step Six
Place the stuffed hens in a deep pot. Add enough water to cover the hens. Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours. Check the pot occasionally to make sure the water level does not drop too much. Add more water if necessary.
Step Seven
After the hens are fully cooked and the broth has a deep flavor, season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
Step Eight
Serve the Deulkkae Samgyetang hot. Each person should get their own hen, along with a portion of the broth. Enjoy this nutritious and comforting Korean dish.
