Savory Garlic Ginseng Chicken Soup
Savory Garlic Ginseng Chicken Soup
Three Dishes from Two Chickens #1: Savory Garlic Ginseng Chicken Soup
A ginseng chicken soup that can yield three different dishes using simple ingredients, perfect for a hearty and healthy meal.
Ingredients- 2 whole chickens
- 50 cloves garlic
- 8 pieces Hovenia dulcis (Japanese raisin tree) slices
- 6 bay leaves
- 200ml soju (for odor removal)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare all the ingredients for the Samgyetang. Rinse the chickens under running water.
Step 2
Place the chickens directly into a pot. Add 500ml of water, 200ml of soju, and 6 bay leaves. Bring to a boil over high heat. This initial blanching step helps remove impurities and eliminate any gamey odor from the chicken.
Step 3
Once the water boils and impurities start to rise to the surface, turn off the heat and carefully remove the chickens. You might notice white, fatty deposits near the chicken’s vent (tail area). Rinse the chickens thoroughly under clean water to ensure a clear and clean broth. This step is crucial for the quality of your soup.
Step 4
Return the cleaned chickens to the pot. Add enough water to cover about 4/5 of the chickens (approximately 1.5 to 2 liters). Scatter the 50 whole garlic cloves evenly over and around the chickens. Finally, place the 8 Hovenia dulcis slices on top. Cover the pot with a lid and simmer over high heat for 20 minutes to extract the chicken’s essence.
Step 5
After boiling for 20 minutes, carefully skim off any excess oil that has risen to the surface of the broth using a spoon or ladle. This will result in a cleaner, lighter-tasting soup that’s enjoyable without being too heavy.
Step 6
Add an additional 200ml of water to the broth, reduce the heat to medium, and continue to simmer for another 20 minutes. The chicken will become tender, and the broth will be rich and flavorful. Your delicious Garlic Samgyetang is now ready to be enjoyed!
