Chicken Herbal Soup
The OG chicken soup for the soul - made with black silkie chicken and herbs, which have been used in Chinese medicine for thousands of years. An interesting overview of the medicinal benefits of each herb is included below.
Recipe Courtesy of: My Momma
Black Chicken Herbal Soup is a traditional Chinese dish, incorporating herbs which have been used for thousands of years in Chinese Traditional Medicine. Touted for being a high source of vitamins, amino acids, and antioxidants, the soup can be enjoyed on a daily basis or can be used as a healing soup for those who are suffering from sickness.
My mother said her father used to make this regularly. Sadly, he passed away in Cambodia in 1978, after the Khmer Rouge had occupied for a few years. After attempting to return to an ideologic agrarian society, Cambodians faced mass starvation and illnesses ensued. Since the entire healthcare system (including medical professionals) had been destroyed under Communist rule, there was no real treatment available. Left untreatable, millions were unable to survive, including my grandfather.
As a very nourishing soup, known for its many health benefits, this recipe is dedicated to him.
Prep Time: 8 hours
Cook Time: 2.5
Ingredients
1 whole black chicken
1 lb of pork cushion meat, cubed
1 lb of boneless pork loin roast
5 Chinese yam chips
4 tbsp Lily Root (Lilium Brownii) Bulb
5 Tangerine Peels
3 tbsp Chinese pearl barley / Job’s tears
3 tbsp almonds
1/4 cup of goji berries 2/3 cup of longan fruit
Instructions
Soak abalone in water overnight to rehydrate. Drain water once ready to cook.
Soak tangerine peel for 15 mins before cooking. Once rehydrated, scrape off the inside lighter side of the peels to remove some of its bitter qualities. Drain liquid.
Crock Pot Instructions: Combine all herbs (except goji berries) in 5 quarts of water and cook for 1 hour at 400 degrees in crock pot. Stove top directions: bring to a boil and simmer with lid on for 1 hour
Defrost black chicken (if purchased frozen) and chop into large pieces. Tip: Purchase already chopped if you’d like to save time and if available.
Cleanse the chicken by “removing impurities.” This entails submerging the chicken in cold water, bringing it to a boil, and cook for 4 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water to remove any additional foamy, grimy stuff. This will ensure you’re soup broth is clean and clear.
Do the same with pork cushion meat.
Add goji berries, chicken, pork cushion meat, and raw boneless pork loin into the pot of soup. Simmer for another hour on low. (Or 235 degrees in crock pot).
Skim any foam or excess oil off the top of the soup before serving.
Tip: Make sure you get your herbs from a reputable store.
Comments