Revitalize Your Health with This Wholesome and Healing Traditional Chinese Medicinal Chicken Soup Recipe

Embarking on a journey to enhance both your body and soul, our Traditional Chinese Medicinal Chicken Soup is a culinary elixir that promises to rejuvenate and invigorate. This soup, steeped in ancient wisdom and crafted with natural ingredients, is not just a meal but a therapeutic experience. Let’s dive into the preparation of this wholesome and healing dish.

Ingredients:

- 1 whole free-range chicken (about 4-5 pounds)

- 1/2 cup of goji berries

- 1/4 cup of Chinese dates (suan zao ren)

- 10 slices of fresh ginger

- 1 tablespoon of dried Astragalus root (huang qi)

- 4 slices of Chinese cinnamon bark (rou gui)

- 2 slices of dried tangerine peel (chen pi)

- 2 tablespoons of sea cucumber slices

- 2 tablespoons of dried codonopsis root (dang shen)

- 1 tablespoon of dried rehmannia (shu di huang)

- 1 tablespoon of dried Chinese angelica root (dang gui)

- 1 tablespoon of dried Chinese wolfberry (gou qi zi)

- 2 liters of water

- Salt to taste

- Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken: Begin by rinsing the whole chicken thoroughly and then place it in a large pot. Cover it with cold water to ensure the meat is fully submerged.

2. Boil the Chicken: Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This process is known as “scalding” and helps to remove any impurities from the chicken.

3. Drain the Chicken: After the scalding process, carefully remove the chicken from the pot and drain it. This will also help to remove any excess fat from the chicken skin.

4. Prepare the Herbs and Ingredients: In a separate pot, combine the goji berries, Chinese dates, ginger slices, Astragalus root, cinnamon bark, tangerine peel, sea cucumber slices, codonopsis root, rehmannia, and Chinese angelica root. Rinse the dried wolfberry and set it aside.

5. Cook the Herbs: Add the water to the pot with the herbs and bring it to a gentle simmer. Add the drained chicken to the pot and allow it to cook on low heat for about 1 hour. This slow cooking process allows the chicken and herbs to meld together, infusing the soup with their unique flavors and health benefits.

6. Add the Wolfberries: After the hour has passed, add the dried wolfberries to the pot. Continue to simmer the soup for another 30 minutes.

7. Season the Soup: Once the soup has finished simmering, taste it and add salt to taste. Remember that the flavors will intensify as the soup cools, so be careful not to over-season.

8. Garnish and Serve: Once the soup is ready, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly. Ladle the soup into serving bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve warm, and enjoy the harmonious blend of flavors and health benefits.

Health Benefits:

- Strengthening the Immune System: Astragalus root and codonopsis root are known for their immune-boosting properties.

- Enhancing Blood Circulation: Chinese angelica root and cinnamon bark are traditionally used to improve blood circulation.

- Rejuvenating the Body: Goji berries and Chinese dates are rich in antioxidants and vitamins, helping to rejuvenate the body and mind.

- Relaxing the Nervous System: The combination of Chinese dates and wolfberries can help to calm the nerves and improve sleep.

By preparing and enjoying this Traditional Chinese Medicinal Chicken Soup, you not only savor a delicious meal but also embark on a journey of wellness and vitality. Embrace the rich tapestry of flavors and the myriad of health benefits this timeless recipe has to offer.