Korean Ginseng Chicken Soup

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken (about 1.5 kg / 3.3 lbs) 1 whole chicken (about 1.5 kg / 3.3 lbs)
• 1 cup (200g) glutinous rice 1 cup (200g) glutinous rice
• 4-5 ginseng roots 4-5 ginseng roots
• 10 garlic cloves 10 garlic cloves
• 10 jujubes (Korean dates) 10 jujubes (Korean dates)
• 10 chestnuts 10 chestnuts
• 8 cups (1.9 liters) water 8 cups (1.9 liters) water
• 1 tablespoon salt 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper 1 teaspoon black pepper

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 35g, 5g
• Protein: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Rinse the glutinous rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in water for 30 minutes, then drain.
2. 2.
   Clean the chicken thoroughly, removing any excess fat and giblets. Pat dry with paper towels.
3. 3.
   Stuff the chicken cavity with the soaked glutinous rice, ginseng roots, garlic cloves, jujubes, and chestnuts.
4. 4.
   Place the stuffed chicken in a large pot and add water, salt, and black pepper.
5. 5.
   Bring the pot to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the chicken is tender and the rice is fully cooked.
6. 6.
   Skim off any impurities that rise to the surface during cooking.
7. 7.
   Serve the Korean Ginseng Chicken Soup hot, garnished with chopped green onions if desired. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ginseng — Make sure to choose high-quality ginseng roots for the best flavor and health benefits. If fresh ginseng is not available, dried ginseng can be used as a substitute.
• Jujubes — If jujubes are not readily available, you can substitute them with dried red dates or omit them altogether. They add a subtle sweetness to the soup.

Tips & Tricks

• To enhance the flavor of the soup, you can add a few slices of ginger or a dash of sesame oil.
• If you prefer a clearer broth, you can strain the soup before serving.
• Leftover soup can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day. The flavors will further develop, making it even more delicious.

Serving advice

Korean Ginseng Chicken Soup is traditionally served as a main course. It can be enjoyed on its own or accompanied by a bowl of steamed rice. Serve the soup hot, garnished with chopped green onions for added freshness.

Presentation advice

Present the Korean Ginseng Chicken Soup in individual bowls, making sure to showcase the tender chicken, flavorful rice, and aromatic broth. Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped green onions for a pop of color.