Cozy Chicken Ginger Soup
Warming Chicken Soup with Ginger and Sweet Potato
Serves: 4
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients:
4 chicken thighs or drumsticks (skin-on and bone-in for extra flavor)
1 medium sweet potato, peeled and cut into bite-sized cubes
2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds
1 small piece of fresh ginger (about 1 inch), peeled and thinly sliced
8 dried red dates (jujubes, available in Asian stores) note; DO NOT use the black ones
3–4 cups chicken broth (or enough to cover the ingredients in the pot)
1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional for flavor)
½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
1 small handful of goji berries (optional, for a sweet and nourishing touch)
2 scallions onions, finely sliced (for garnish)
1 tablespoon sesame oil (optional, for a hint of flavor)
Equipment Needed
A medium-sized pot with a lid
A sharp knife
A cutting board
A vegetable peeler (for peeling the sweet potato and carrots)
A ladle (for serving)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare Your Ingredients:
Peel and cut the sweet potato and carrots into bite-sized pieces.
Slice the ginger thinly.
Cook the Chicken:
Put the chicken thighs or drumsticks into the pot.
Add 3–4 cups of water (enough to cover the chicken) and boil over medium-high heat.
Once it boils, lower the heat to medium and use a spoon to skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface.
Add the Vegetables and Ginger:
Add the sweet potato, carrots, red dates and ginger slices to the pot.
Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer gently on low heat for about 30 minutes.
Season the Soup:
After 30 minutes, add the soy sauce (if using), salt, and goji berries (if using).
Stir gently and let the soup simmer for another 10–15 minutes until the vegetables are soft and the chicken is cooked.
Check and Serve:
Check that the chicken is cooked (the meat should easily pull away from the bone).
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with sliced green onions, and serve hot.
Tips for Success
Don’t rush the simmering: Simmering the soup helps the flavors come together and makes the chicken tender.
Keep an eye on the water level: Add A little more water if it gets too low while simmering.
Safety first: Be careful when handling hot liquids and using sharp knives.
This simple, warming soup is perfect for cold winter days. The ginger promotes circulation and warmth, the red dates aid in digestion, while the sweet potato and carrots provide natural sweetness and energy. Enjoy cooking your first meal of this winter season! 😊
