Double-Boiled Chicken Soup with Ginseng and Red Dates for Chinese New Year

 

Double-Boiled Chicken Soup with Ginseng and Red Dates for Chinese New Year

Double-Boiled Chicken Soup with Ginseng and Red Dates is a beloved dish in Chinese culture, especially during Chinese New Year. Its significance lies in the symbolism and health benefits associated with its ingredients:

1. Chicken: Represents abundance and prosperity. The word for "chicken" in Chinese sounds similar to the word for "gold," symbolising wealth and good fortune.
2. Ginseng: Considered a powerful herb with revitalising properties. It's believed to boost energy, improve immunity, and promote longevity, making it an ideal ingredient for a celebratory dish.
3. Red Dates: Also known as jujubes, they are associated with sweetness and happiness. Red dates are believed to nourish the blood and promote vitality.

Together, these ingredients create a soup that is not only delicious but also carries auspicious meanings for the new year. It's a dish that is often shared with family and friends to express wishes for good health, prosperity, and happiness in the coming year.

Yields: 4 servings Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 2 hours

Ingredients:

• 1 (3-pound) whole chicken, cut into pieces
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup dried red dates, pitted
• 1/4 cup dried ginseng
• 6 cups water

Instructions:

1. Rinse the chicken pieces and pat them dry with paper towels.
2. In a large pot, combine the chicken, salt, pepper, red dates, ginseng, and water.
3. Bring the pot to a boil over high heat.
4. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 2 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through.
5. Remove the pot from the heat and let it cool slightly before serving.

Nutrition information:

• Calories: 200
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fat: 5g

Tips:

• You can add other ingredients to the soup, such as ginger, garlic, or mushrooms.
• If you don't have dried ginseng, you can use fresh ginseng.
• Serve the soup hot or cold.
• This soup can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.

Enjoy your delicious and healthy Double-Boiled Chicken Soup with Ginseng and Red Dates!