This traditional (ancient) recipe has been passed on from generation to generation. Been taught by parents to the youngster especially those who is first time mom. I'm not sure if this tradition is still happening in every Chinese homes, but it does in mine. My mom made this soup REGULARLY during my pregnancy to boost my lack of energy and building breast milk production later on, my mom in-law made this soup after I gave birth, and guess what, now I enjoy making this with my crock pot for my family in regular basis.
The basic recipe contains meat, goji berry, garlic, ginger, and red dates. This soup alone can help boosting our immune system, help the body to fight the colds and flu. Perfect comfort dish for entire family on the cold rainy season.
Here are some informations about the ingredients we use:
-Goji berry, THE super food.
According to a Chinese legend, goji berry helped a man lived until age 252. I don't know if it's true but this berry is indeed a great antioxidant and a powerful anti-aging herb. It contains 1gram of protein in every tablespoon. They have essential amino acids, natural vitamin A, C, Iron, Calcium, and only about 90gram of calories in every serving.
-'Angco' or red dates or Chinese dates.
You can easily find the dried goji berry and red dates at healthy stores, Chinese herbs stores or some supermarkets (look for healthy section).
Use moderately and cautiously before feeding your baby with this soup. Please be aware for allergy reaction, side effects or any medical concerns. For me, I start giving Mika this soup in small amount when she's over one year old and gradually adding the amount as she gets older.
What I share below is the basic recipe but actually there are some add-on ingredients depend on what's the purpose of this healthy soup.
These are some add-on ingredients that we usually use:
1. Peanuts. To boost breast milk production. Great soup during pregnancy and after. You can give this to your toddler if you are sure she doesn't have any peanut allergy.
2. Ginseng
3. Chinese tonic wine.
Given after delivery to regain the energy.
4. Mushrooms such as shiitake and snow mushrooms.
They contain vitamins and trace minerals making them as antioxidants and healthy foods for our skin, liver and brain.
Ok, enough for the knowledge now back to the HCHC soup :)
I use crockpot or slowcooker but you also can make it with a regular pan.
First wash the chicken thoroughly, put aside.
Yes I use its (almost) entire body parts including the head, the neck, the liver, and the feet. I throw away the chicken bottom, the nails (just chop them off), and other-than-liver-inner parts.
Prepare the vegetables including dried herbs such as goji berry and red dates. This time I also add leek.
Recipe
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 4-6 hours (check your slow cooker)
Servings: 6
Ingredients:
1 Whole grassfed/organic chicken. Cut into 12 pcs, wash thoroughly. Throw unwanted parts away. Put aside.
1/4 C Dried Goji berry
1/4 C Dried Chinese red dates
9 cloves Garlic, crush
2cm Ginger, crush a bit
1 pc leek
500ml drinking water
Salt to taste
Method:
Put the chicken in the pot.
Put all the herbs including the leek in the pot, spread over the chicken.
Pour the water in the pot. Close the lid and cook for 4 hours in fast or 6 hours in slow.
Turn the cooker off, stir slowly. Add salt to taste. Serve warm.
Oh wait, have I told you what HCHC stands for? It stands for (The) Healthy Chinese Herbal Chicken (soup). Pretty fit for this soup, right?