16 Jul Nourishing Chicken Soup
16 Jul 2018
Hi all! You know that age old saying of soup being good for the soul? We honestly believe it’s true! The cooler months are often a time when we can start to feel a little low on energy and not have quite the same mojo that we had over summer. In winter, it’s completely appropriate to take some time out, rest more, slow down and do less. And sometimes, we can feel like we just don’t have enough juice in the tank to get through or enjoy our everyday tasks/lives. That’s where this chicken soup comes in!
This soup never ceases to surprise with how effective it is in boosting energy (qi). It makes people feel more alive, motivated and energised! There are few key things that make this soup soo good for you. First of all, chicken when cooked for hours is great source of easy to digest protein. According to Chinese medicine, chicken tonifies the blood. The broth that comes from cooking the bones of chicken for hours helps boosts immunity, promotes gut repair, and helps the digestive system to better absorb nutrients. (Side note – supporting digestion is especially important in winter as it can easily get a little flat, sluggish and lacklustre). The onion, garlic and ginger all help warm the body, promote yang, and invigorate the digestive system. The root vegetables are great in combination with the chicken to support and stabilise blood sugar, reduce choccie cravings and stabilise energy. (P.S. feel free to add loads more veggies if you feel like it!). Also, you can add quite a bit of rice which makes it almost like a Congee. Congee and well cooked rice, in Chinese medicine, both help support energy, neutralise and strengthen the digestive system.
How to make the chicken soup. It’s simple!
1 whole free range (preferably organic) chicken
2 onions, sliced
2-3 cloves garlic, whole
50 cent size piece of ginger, sliced
1 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon Chinese five spice
8 carrot, sliced
1 whole celery, sliced
2 cups of rice
2 litres chicken stock / water with a pinch of salt
(And more veggies if you like!)
1. Get a vessel! We like using a slow cooker as it’s super easy. Another option is a crock pot or large soup pot, but of course you’ll need to supervise a bit more if you’re using stove top pot.
2. Add in all of the ingredients and cover with stock or water. You may need a little less or a little more liquid depending on the size of your vessel – you want all of the ingredients to be covered by liquid.
3. Simmer for 3-5 hours (3 hours on the stove top, or 5 hours on low in the slow cooker).
4. Remove the chicken (it’s easier if you wait for it to cool, but it depends how hungry you are!). De-bone it, breaking off the fresh into small strips, then add it back in to the soup. Discard the bones.
5. Season with soy sauce and spring onions.
6. Enjoy your delicious soup!
Nourish your soul with this beautiful chicken soup! If you feel like you need a little more help to boost your energy, immunity or anything else, acupuncture is an excellent way to help. Book an appointment here. We look forward to hearing from you!
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