Remember all those strong smelling concoctions that mum painstakingly double-boiled from strange herbs that came in brown paper-wrapped packages? Some were sweet, others bitter but all were served up with the intention to keep us healthy. Here is one that I prepare to enjoy in the hope to gain some health benefits, lol.
Ingredients
[serves 2]
2 large chicken thighs - skin removed and cut into 2-3 pieces each
700 ml water
salt and light soy sauce to taste
Herbal Ingredients - rinse
2 pieces wai san slices
3-4 pieces dong quai slices
5-6 pieces dong shen [1" length]
some yok chok
some hoi chok
3-4 pieces chuan xiong slices
3-4 pieces red dates
3-4 pieces dried longan
1 tbsp wolf berries [kei chee]
- Blanch chicken thigh in hot water for a few seconds. Drain and rinse. Set aside.
- Bring water to a boil and add in all herbal ingredients [except chinese wolfberry]. Boil for a minute and then simmer for 10 minutes until fragrant and aromatic.
- Add in chicken thighs to cook for another 5-10 minutes or until chicken is tender. Add in the wolfberries.
- Add salt and light soy sauce to taste.
- Serve soup hot.
Health benefits of the following herbs:
- Dong Quai [Angelica Root] - This 'heaty' herb nourishes the blood [excellent blood tonic], heart, liver and spleen. An excellent herb for those who are anemic [treats iron deficiency and anemia] and those with menstrual problems. Balances estrogen levels, reducing anxiety, combat stress and promotes relaxation. Generally used in savoury brews. [read here for more information]
- Kei Chee [Chinese Wolfberry] - Nourishes the lungs, kidneys and liver. Also good for the eyes, lower back and blood circulation. Mostly used in savoury soups. Goes well with chicken.
- Chuan Xiong [Szechuan Lovage Rhizome] - Activates and warms the blood and Qi. Good for the liver, gall bladder and heart. Used to treat headaches, skin problems and menstrual problems. Add to savoury brews.
- Yok Chok [Solomon's Seal] - A cooling herb for the stomach and lungs. Expels wind and has an overall calming effect. Relaxes stiff and cramped muscles. Can be used in both sweet and savoury brews.
- Hung Choe [Red dates] - A tonic for the stomach and spleen. Balances the properties of other herbs. Recommended for those who feel tired and weak. Can be added to most soups and drinks.
- Leng Geng [Dried Longan] - It is added for sweetness and useful in preventing hair loss and hair greying.
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7 comments:
I like chciken herbal soup. I find it very appetizing.
This is delicious! I’ve made it about 4 times, and usually double the recipe to have leftovers. Everyone in my family loves it. Thanks so much for this great recipe.
Hi Victoria, thanks for the comments. When I have leftovers, I add flour vermicelli [mee suah] to it after discarding all the herbs. Serves as a light meal.
Hi Phong Hong, Me too and I loved to dip the meat in chilli/garlic/dark soy sauce dipping sauce.
It seems this dish will be very tasty. I will try at my home. herbal relaxation
Hi Ricky, thanks for dropping by this blog. It's a simple yet tasty soup that goes well with rice or noodles.
Once awhile a bitter sweet soup is good for a change.
I was searching for an easy Herbal Chicken Soup recipe. Thanks for sharing this great recipe. You might be interested in this Emperor Herbal Chicken Soup.
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