Golden Herbal Chicken Soup

The absolute best!! That golden color just screams liquid gold.

This recipe is rich in flavor and offers plenty of health benefits thanks to the traditional Chinese herbs, besides being an excellent source of collagen. It helps strengthen the immune system, making the body more resilient to illness, supports digestive health and helps with detoxification, enhances blood flow, benefiting cardiovascular health, aids in clearing airways and supporting lung function and helps combat fatigue and improves overall vitality.

Ingredients:

• 2 organic chicken thighs (bone-in and skin-on for richer flavor)

• 1-2 tablespoons sesame oil (for sautéing)

• 4 slices ginger (about 1/4 inch thick)

• 1/2 daikon radish (or regular radish), cut into chunks

• 5-6 dried red dates (jujube), cut into chunks

• 5-6 slices of Chinese dried wolfberries (goji berries)

• 2 stalks cilantro

  Other things you could add:

• 1-2 pieces of Chinese angelica root (Dong Quai) - 5-6 dried longan fruits (optional, for sweetness)

• 2-3 dried shiitake mushrooms (or other dried mushrooms like Wood Ear)

  Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Chicken:

• Rinse the organic chicken thighs under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. You can remove the skin if you prefer, but keeping the skin on adds more flavor.

  2. Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, heat the sesame oil over medium heat. Add the ginger slices. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes, until fragrant.

  3. Add the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs into the pot and sauté for 5-7 minutes to brown the skin slightly. This step will deepen the flavor of the soup.

  4. Add Herbs and Vegetables: Add the daikon radish, dried red dates, longan, wolfberries. These ingredients contribute to the traditional flavor and healing properties of the soup.

  5. Add Water: Pour in 6-8 cups of water (adjust depending on your pot size and how much soup you want to make).

• Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 2-3 hours.

  6. Simmer and Season: During the simmering process, you can skim any foam or impurities that rise to the top. After about 1.5 hours, check the soup. If the chicken is tender and the flavors have melded, it's ready. You can cook for up to 2-3 hours for a deeper flavor.

  7. Finish the Soup: Once done, remove the chicken thighs from the pot and shred the meat off the bone. Return the shredded chicken to the soup. - Taste the soup and add salt to your preference. 8. Serve: - Ladle the soup into bowls, making sure to include plenty of chicken, vegetables, and herbs. Garnish with chopped cilantro.

  Optional Tips: You can add additional herbs or adjust the herbs based on your personal preference or health needs (e.g., adding ginseng for energy or reishi mushrooms for immunity). - Serve with a side of steamed rice for a complete meal. This soup is nourishing and comforting, perfect for colder months or when you're feeling under the weather. Enjoy!