Imagine a dish that not only tantalizes your taste buds but also nourishes your body from the inside out - welcome to the world of Chicken with Ginseng Soup, a legendary Korean delicacy that has been cherished for centuries! This soul-warming recipe combines the tender, succulent meat of a whole chicken with the potent, healing properties of ginseng, creating a magical elixir that promises to rejuvenate your senses and boost your overall well-being. Whether you're seeking comfort on a chilly day or looking to enhance your health naturally, this traditional Korean soup is about to become your new culinary obsession.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Korean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken, cleaned
- 2 tablespoons ginseng
- 4 cups water
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 thumb-sized ginger, sliced
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Spring onions for garnish
Instructions
- Thoroughly clean the whole chicken, removing any excess fat or internal organs. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
- Prepare the aromatics by peeling and slicing the ginger into thin rounds, mincing the garlic cloves, and washing and chopping the spring onions for garnish.
- In a large pot, place the whole chicken and add the water, ensuring the chicken is mostly submerged.
- Add the sliced ginger, minced garlic, and dried ginseng to the pot with the chicken.
- Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat, then immediately reduce the heat to low and allow the soup to simmer gently.
- Skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface of the soup during the first 15-20 minutes of cooking.
- Cover the pot with a lid and continue simmering for approximately 45-60 minutes, or until the chicken is completely tender and easily falls apart.
- Carefully remove the chicken from the soup and place it on a cutting board. Let it cool slightly before separating the meat from the bones.
- Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed.
- Return the chicken meat to the soup or arrange it on a serving plate and ladle the hot broth over the meat.
- Garnish with freshly chopped spring onions and serve hot, preferably with a side of steamed rice.
Tips
- Choose high-quality ginseng: Fresh or dried Korean ginseng will provide the most authentic and potent flavor profile.
- Skim carefully: Removing foam during the initial boiling stage ensures a clear, clean-tasting broth.
- Low and slow is the key: Maintain a gentle simmer to keep the chicken meat tender and prevent it from becoming tough.
- Fresh aromatics matter: Use fresh ginger and garlic for the most vibrant flavor.
- Don't rush the cooking process: Allowing the soup to simmer for a full 45-60 minutes helps extract maximum flavor and nutrients.
- Serving suggestion: Pair with steamed rice and enjoy the soup while it's piping hot for the best experience.
- Optional enhancement: For extra depth, you can add a small amount of Korean gochugaru (red pepper flakes) for a subtle kick.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
