Double-boiled ginseng soup recipe

Ginseng soup is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. It's nourishing, comforting, and packed with flavor. If you've been looking for a recipe that’s both easy to make and packed with health benefits, double-boiled ginseng soup is where it's at. Let’s dive into a recipe that’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen!

Ingredients You'll Need

To make this soup, you'll need:

• 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds), cleaned and cut into pieces
• 10 grams of dried American ginseng root
• 1 piece of ginger (about 2 inches), sliced
• 2-3 dried jujube dates (also known as red dates)
• 2-3 cloves of garlic, peeled
• 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Water

Preparing the Ingredients

Start by prepping your ingredients. Clean the chicken thoroughly, removing any excess fat or skin. Slice the ginger and peel the garlic. If you’re using dried ginseng root, give it a quick rinse under cold water.

Cooking the Soup

• Blanch the Chicken: Begin by placing the chicken pieces in a pot of boiling water. This helps to remove impurities and excess fat. Boil for about 5 minutes, then drain and rinse the chicken under cold water.
• Assemble the Ingredients: In a heatproof bowl or a double-boiler, add the chicken pieces, dried ginseng root, sliced ginger, dried jujube dates, and garlic.
• Season and Add Water: Pour enough water into the bowl to cover the ingredients. Add soy sauce, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir everything gently to combine.
• Double-Boil: Place the bowl in a double-boiler. If you don’t have a double-boiler, you can use a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water. The double-boiling method is crucial as it allows the flavors to meld together slowly, which enhances the soup’s taste and maximizes the health benefits of the ginseng.
• Cook Slowly: Cover the bowl and let it steam over low heat for about 2-3 hours. The longer you cook it, the richer and more flavorful the soup will be.

Final Touches

After the soup has cooked, remove the bowl from the heat. Carefully take out the chicken pieces and strain the soup to remove any solid bits. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

You can serve this American ginseng soup hot, garnished with some fresh herbs if you like. It’s perfect on its own or as a starter for a bigger meal.

Why Double-Boiling?

Double-boiling might seem like an extra step, but it’s totally worth it. This technique helps to extract the maximum flavor and nutrients from the ginseng and other ingredients. Plus, it makes the soup incredibly rich and soothing.

Tips for the Best Soup

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh chicken and high-quality ginseng make a big difference in the flavor and health benefits of your soup.
• Adjust the Ingredients: Feel free to add other herbs or vegetables according to your taste.
• Keep It Low and Slow: The key to great double-boiled ginseng soup is to cook it slowly. Rushing this process will compromise the flavor.

Enjoy!

Double-boiled American ginseng soup isn’t just a meal; it’s a nourishing experience. It’s perfect for cold days when you need something to warm you up from the inside. Plus, ginseng is known for its health benefits, which makes this soup not only delicious but also good for you.

Give this recipe a try and enjoy a bowl of comforting, homemade ginseng soup. Your taste buds—and your body—will thank you!