Chicken soup with goji berries and red dates

Chinese Black Chicken Soup with Red Dates and Goji Berries is a nutritious and restorative dish. It features high-protein, vitamin-rich black chicken, complemented by red dates, goji berries, and dried longan. Simmered for 3 hours, the broth is clear and flavorful, offering benefits like boosting immunity and nourishing the blood—an ideal choice for maintaining good health.

Next, we will provide detailed instructions on the key points and techniques for making this dish. This includes tips on ingredient selection and substitutions, as well as ensuring a smooth cooking process.

1.Ingredient Preparation:

Black Chicken: Ensure the black chicken is fresh and cut it into small pieces. You can find black chicken at Asian supermarkets or online. If unavailable, regular chicken can be used, though it will have slightly lower nutritional value.

Ginger: Slice into thick pieces, about 3-5 slices, to add fragrance to the soup.

Red Dates: Choose clean, high-quality dried red dates. They add sweetness and have blood-nourishing properties. These can be found at Asian supermarkets and health food stores.

Goji Berries: Select clean, high-quality goji berries, rich in antioxidants. These are also available at Asian supermarkets and health food stores.

Dried Longan: Use dried longan meat, wash and slightly soak it to enhance sweetness and its restorative properties. If unavailable, you can substitute with a small amount of raisins.

2.Blanching the Chicken:

Fill a large pot halfway with warm water, as warm water heats the chicken more evenly.

Place the chicken pieces in the pot and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. This process removes blood and impurities, making the soup clearer.

When the water starts boiling, skim off any foam to keep the broth clear.

After blanching, rinse the chicken pieces with cold water to remove any remaining impurities and to firm up the meat.

3.Simmering the Soup:

Water Amount: Fill the pot with enough water to cover all the ingredients. Ensure there’s enough water as it will evaporate during the long simmering process.

Cooking Heat: Use low heat to simmer the soup, allowing the ingredients to release their nutrients fully, resulting in a more flavorful broth.

Cooking Tools: If you don’t have a sand pot, a thick-bottomed stainless steel or cast-iron pot can be used. Avoid thin-bottomed pots to prevent the soup from sticking. A slow cooker set on low for 3 hours is also a convenient option.

4.Seasoning:

About 10 minutes before the soup is done, add 2 teaspoons of salt and stir well. Adding salt too early can toughen the chicken and affect the soup’s flavor.

5.Cleaning and Preparation:

Ensure all ingredients and cooking tools are clean and free of impurities. This helps maintain the clarity and taste of the soup.

When handling the black chicken, keep knives and cutting boards clean to avoid cross-contamination.

Making Chinese Black Chicken Soup is straightforward, but each step requires careful attention, especially in blanching and controlling the heat while simmering. By following these steps, even beginners can create a delicious and nutritious black chicken soup.