Revitalizing Summer Elixir: Clear and Rich Samgyetang (Ginseng Chicken Soup)
Revitalizing Summer Elixir: Clear and Rich Samgyetang (Ginseng Chicken Soup)
Beat the Summer Heat with a Wholesome Samgyetang for the Whole Family!
As summer arrives and the heat intensifies, it’s time to prepare nourishing dishes to combat fatigue. This Samgyetang, a traditional Korean ginseng chicken soup, is perfect for boosting energy and vitality for your entire family. Enjoy its clear, deep broth and tender chicken for a healthy summer.
Main Ingredients- Young chicken or native chicken (for Samgyetang) – 2 birds
- Sweet rice (glutinous rice) – 1 cup
- Dried jujubes – 20 dates
- Ginkgo nuts – 20 nuts
- Whole garlic cloves – 6 cloves
- Onion – 1
- Green onion – 1 stalk
- Chives – 1 handful
- Dried shiitake mushrooms – 2-3 mushrooms
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
To prepare for the upcoming summer heat, we’re making Samgyetang at home. This recipe is designed to be easy and nourishing, perfect for boosting your family’s health and energy.
Step 2
Gather two whole chickens for the soup, along with glutinous rice, dried jujubes, ginkgo nuts, and whole garlic cloves. These ingredients will contribute to the rich flavor and nutritional value.
Step 3
Thoroughly rinse the chickens under cold running water to remove any impurities, especially from the cavity. Pat the outside and inside dry with paper towels for a cleaner finish and better texture.
Step 4
Begin stuffing the cavity of each chicken. Start with the soaked glutinous rice, followed by the ginkgo nuts, dried jujubes, and whole garlic cloves. The glutinous rice will absorb the chicken’s broth, becoming wonderfully soft and flavorful.
Step 5
Secure the chicken legs and wings using kitchen twine or skewers. This step helps maintain the chicken’s shape during cooking and prevents the stuffing from falling out.
Step 6
Place the stuffed chickens in a large pot and cover them generously with water. Add a roughly chopped onion and a stalk of green onion to the pot. These aromatics will help remove any gaminess from the chicken and add a subtle sweetness to the broth.
Step 7
Bring the pot to a boil over high heat. As it starts to boil, impurities and foam will rise to the surface. Skim off this foam and any excess fat diligently for the first 10-15 minutes to ensure a clear and pristine broth.
Step 8
For an exceptionally clear broth, continue to skim off any foam or oil that rises to the surface throughout the simmering process. This attention to detail results in a cleaner tasting and visually appealing soup.
Step 9
Once the chicken is tender and the broth has become milky white, add a generous amount of fresh chives. The chives will impart a fresh, slightly peppery aroma that complements the richness of the chicken.
Step 10
Next, add the dried shiitake mushrooms. These mushrooms will infuse the broth with a deep, savory umami flavor, enhancing the overall taste profile of the Samgyetang.
Step 11
Allow the soup to simmer for another 5-10 minutes, letting the flavors of the chives and shiitake mushrooms meld beautifully with the broth. This step enriches the soup with layers of aromatic complexity.
Step 12
Your nutritious and delicious Samgyetang is now ready! Enjoy the tender chicken, the soft glutinous rice, and the deeply flavorful broth – a true power-packed meal.
Step 13
Don’t let the summer heat get you down! With this hearty homemade Samgyetang, you can face the summer with renewed energy. Wishing good health to your entire family!
Step 14
The Samgyetang is complete, boasting the rich aroma of shiitake mushrooms and the fresh scent of chives. This nourishing dish offers both exceptional flavor and health benefits. Enjoy your meal!
