Hubei-style Chicken Soup

Ingredients

While the original Mexican Caldo de Pollo typically includes ingredients like tomatoes, cilantro, and lime, the Hubei-style Chicken Soup incorporates traditional Hubei flavors and ingredients. The Mexican spices are replaced with ginger, garlic, and star anise, which are commonly used in Hubei cuisine. Additionally, the Hubei-style soup focuses on creating a rich and nourishing broth, while still maintaining the heartiness and comforting qualities of the original dish. We alse have the original recipe for Caldo de pollo, so you can check it out.

• 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces (1.5 kg / 3.3 lbs) 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces (1.5 kg / 3.3 lbs)
• 2 liters (8 cups) water 2 liters (8 cups) water
• 2 onions, sliced 2 onions, sliced
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 thumb-sized ginger, sliced 1 thumb-sized ginger, sliced
• 2 star anise 2 star anise
• 2 carrots, sliced 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 potatoes, diced 2 potatoes, diced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced 2 celery stalks, sliced
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste Pepper, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 3g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 10g, 3g
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, bring the water to a boil. Add the chicken pieces and simmer for 10 minutes, skimming off any impurities that rise to the surface.
2. 2.
   Add the onions, garlic, ginger, and star anise to the pot. Simmer for another 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
3. 3.
   Add the carrots, potatoes, and celery to the pot. Continue simmering until the chicken is tender and the vegetables are cooked through, approximately 20-30 minutes.
4. 4.
   Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. 5.
   Remove the star anise from the soup.
6. 6.
   Serve the Hubei-style Chicken Soup hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chicken — Make sure to remove the skin and excess fat from the chicken pieces before cooking to reduce the fat content of the soup.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier version, add a small amount of dried chili flakes or Sichuan peppercorns to the soup.
• You can customize the vegetables in the soup based on your preference or seasonal availability.
• Serve the soup with steamed rice or crusty bread for a more substantial meal.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated before serving.
• Feel free to adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences.

Serving advice

Serve the Hubei-style Chicken Soup in individual bowls, making sure to include a generous amount of chicken, vegetables, and broth in each serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro for added freshness and aroma.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, you can sprinkle some finely chopped green onions or drizzle a few drops of sesame oil on top of the soup. Serve the soup in traditional Chinese ceramic bowls for an authentic touch.