Chicken Ginger Shiitake Soup

Helga Glaesel de BlandingDecember 12, 2020

This post is also available in / Esta entrada también está disponible en ESPAÑOL (SPANISH)

This soup is perfect for cold weather days, or when you are feeling like you might be catching a cold! It is full of nutrients, with all-natural homemade ingredients that will help you nourish yourself and your family. It also happens to be delicious! If a family member or a friend has flu symptoms, this is a great soup to make for them.

Every time we make it at home, everyone has seconds. It’s full of flavor and is a complete meal when served with rice or rice noodles.

If you are interested to know why this soup has so many benefits, read on! If you just want to make this delicious recipe, skip to the recipe below.

Shiitake Mushrooms

Shiitake mushrooms have been used as a natural remedy in alternative medicine for centuries, it is useful for cholesterol reduction, it is naturally low in sodium and free of saturated fats, mushrooms are a heart-healthy food, especially when used as an alternative to processed meats. The potassium in shiitake mushrooms is also beneficial for reducing blood pressure. A cup of cooked shiitake mushrooms contains more than the daily required amount of copper for most adults and is vital for the immune system. Because not much copper is stored in the body, having a reliable food source of this mineral can help prevent a deficiency. Shiitakes are also a good source of zinc, which is typically found in red meat, poultry, and seafood.

Ginger

People have used ginger in cooking and medicine since ancient times. It is a popular home remedy for nausea, stomach pain, and other health issues. It supports cardiovascular health, aids in digestion, and supports the immune system.

Chicken broth

Homemade chicken broth contains glucosamine, which is commonly given as a supplement to cure joint pain and is even prescribed for chronic joint diseases. It stimulates collagen production, repairs joints, and reduces pain and inflammations. A clear broth is warm and soothing, making it a great source of hydration while you are sick, especially if you have a sore throat.

Bok Choy

Contains vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta-carotene. These nutrients have powerful antioxidant properties that help protect cells against damage by free radicals, and unlike most other fruits and vegetables, bok choy contains the mineral selenium which helps to detoxify the body and prevents inflammation.

We’d love to know if you try this soup!

Helga

Chicken Shiitake-Ginger Soup

Adapted from Simply Recipes
Yields 6 servings

Ingredients:
1 whole chicken, about 2 to 3 lbs
6 to 8 cups of water, enough to cover the chicken when cooking
4 to 5 slices of fresh ginger
1 whole clove
1½ teaspoons coriander seeds, or 1 teaspoon of coriander powder
4 green onions
3 cloves of garlic
1 tablespoon of sea salt
1 small bunch of cilantro
1 or 2 bok choy, sliced
1 tray of shiitake mushrooms, sliced
2 to 3 teaspoons fish sauce
1 teaspoon sugar
salt and pepper, for seasoning

Procedure:

Pound the ginger slices with the flat side of a knife and set aside. Thinly slice the green parts of spring onions, and set aside for garnish. Cut the white and greenish parts of the onions into 3 sections.
In a large pot, toast the coriander seeds and clove over medium heat until fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes. Add the ginger and green onion sections. Stir for about 30 seconds, until aromatic.
Add the water, cilantro, garlic, salt, and chicken, making sure the chicken is covered with the water bring to a steady simmer over medium heat and let it cook for 40-45 minutes. Discard the foam that rises to the top using a spoon, those are impurities that float up.
Remove the chicken from the broth once cooked and shred the meat.
Strain the broth: pour it through a fine-mesh strainer into another bowl or large pot and discard the solids. You should have about 4-6 cups of broth
Season with fish sauce and sugar.
Bring the strained broth back to your cooking pot, and add the shredded chicken, sliced bok choy, sliced shiitake mushrooms, additional ginger, if needed and adjust seasoning.
Serve with white rice or rice noodles. If using rice noodles, follow the package’s instructions for cooking and add the noodles to your serving bowl, then add your finished soup. Same thing with the rice. You can also sprinkle with additional cilantro, pepper flakes, a little lime juice, and some low sodium soy sauce.

Have you made this recipe?

Please let me know how it turned out for you! Leave a comment below and share a picture with the hashtag #thefoodieskitchen!

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