Tasty Chinese White Fungus Chicken Soup Recipe to Try at Home
If you're looking for a healthy and delicious soup recipe, look no further than Chinese white fungus chicken soup. This traditional dish is packed with flavour and nutrients, making it the perfect meal for any time of day. Whether you're feeling under the weather or just want to warm up on a cold day, this soup is sure to hit the spot.
White fungus, also known as snow fungus or silver ear, is a popular ingredient in Chinese cuisine. It is prized for its delicate flavour and numerous health benefits. In addition to being a good source of protein, white fungus is also rich in dietary fibre, vitamins, and minerals. When combined with chicken and other ingredients, it creates a hearty and nutritious soup that is sure to satisfy your taste buds.
To make Chinese white fungus chicken soup, you'll need a few essential ingredients, including chicken, white fungus, and carrots. You'll also need chicken stock, sesame oil, corn flour, light soy sauce, Chinese wine, and salt and pepper to taste. The soup is easy to prepare and can be ready in as little as 30 minutes. Once you've tried this recipe, you'll never go back to boring old chicken soup again.
Key Takeaways
- Chinese white fungus chicken soup is a healthy and delicious dish that is easy to prepare.
- White fungus is a key ingredient in this soup, providing numerous health benefits.
- You can add seafood to the recipe for an extra boost of flavour and nutrients.
What Is White Fungus?
White fungus, also known as bai mu er in Chinese, is a type of edible fungus commonly used in Chinese cuisine. It is often used in soups, desserts, and other dishes for its nutritional value and medicinal properties. White fungus is believed to have anti-inflammatory and anti-tumour properties, and is rich in dietary fibre, protein, and vitamins.
White fungus is a type of wood ear mushroom that grows on trees in the wild. It is harvested in the autumn and winter months, and is typically sold dried. Before use, it must be soaked in water until it becomes soft and pliable.
In Chinese traditional medicine, white fungus is believed to nourish the lungs and improve complexion. It is often used to treat respiratory ailments such as coughs and asthma. It is also believed to have a cooling effect on the body and is used to treat fever and heat stroke.
White fungus is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. It has a mild, slightly sweet flavour and a gelatinous texture. It pairs well with chicken, seafood, and other meats. If you want to add seafood to your white fungus chicken soup, you could consider using prawns or scallops.
Essential Ingredients
When it comes to making a delicious Chinese white fungus chicken soup, you need to have the right ingredients. Here are some of the essential ingredients you need to make this soup:
Choosing the Chicken
The best chicken to use for this soup is chicken drumstick or chicken breast. These parts of the chicken are tender and juicy, which will make your soup taste delicious. If you want to make your soup more flavourful, you can also use chicken stock.
White Fungus Selection
White fungus is the key ingredient in this soup. When choosing white fungus, make sure to select the ones that are fresh and have a soft texture. You can also use dried white fungus, which is readily available in most Asian grocery stores. To prepare dried white fungus, soak it in water for 30 minutes until it becomes soft.
Additional Elements
To add more flavour to your soup, you can also include other ingredients such as carrots and dried shiitake mushrooms. These ingredients will give your soup a sweet and savoury taste. If you want to make your soup more nutritious, you can also add seafood such as prawns or scallops.
When it comes to choosing seafood, make sure to select the ones that are fresh and have a sweet taste. Prawns and scallops are great options to use in this soup. They will add a unique flavour to your soup and make it more nutritious.
Overall, the key to making a delicious Chinese white fungus chicken soup is to use fresh and high-quality ingredients. By following these tips, you can make a soup that is not only delicious but also nutritious.
Soup Preparation Method
If you want to make a delicious Chinese white fungus chicken soup, you need to follow a few key steps to ensure that the soup is flavourful and nutritious. Here's a simple soup preparation method to get you started.
Cleaning and Soaking
The first step is to clean and soak the white fungus. Start by rinsing the fungus under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris. Then, soak the fungus in cold water for at least 30 minutes to soften it. You can also soak the fungus in warm water for a shorter period of time if you're in a hurry.
Boiling the Soup
Once the fungus is soaked, it's time to start boiling the soup. Start by boiling a pot of water, then add the chicken bones and blanched chicken fillet to the pot. Boil the soup for at least 10 minutes to extract the flavours from the chicken bones and meat. Skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface of the soup.
Simmering the Ingredients
After the soup has boiled for 10 minutes, it's time to add the remaining ingredients. Start by adding the soaked white fungus, sliced carrots, and any other vegetables or seafood of your choice. Simmer the soup for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavours to meld together. You can also add chicken stock or water to adjust the consistency of the soup.
If you want to add seafood to your soup, you can use prawns, clams, or any other seafood that you like. Simply add the seafood to the soup during the simmering stage and cook until the seafood is fully cooked.
That's it! With this simple soup preparation method, you can make a delicious and nutritious Chinese white fungus chicken soup that's perfect for any occasion.
Seasoning and Taste
When it comes to seasoning your Chinese white fungus chicken soup, it is important to keep it light and simple. You don't want to overpower the delicate flavour of the white fungus and chicken.
Start by adding about 1/2 teaspoon of salt to the soup and then taste it. You can always add more salt later if needed. If you prefer a sweeter soup, you can add about 1/2 teaspoon of sugar to the soup as well.
To enhance the flavour of the soup, you can also add a splash of light soy sauce. This will add a bit of saltiness and umami to the soup without overpowering the other flavours.
If you want to add a bit of seafood to your soup, you can try adding some prawns or scallops. Simply add them to the soup towards the end of the cooking time, and let them cook for a few minutes until they are cooked through.
Overall, the seasoning of your Chinese white fungus chicken soup should be light and simple, allowing the natural flavours of the ingredients to shine through.
Serving Suggestions
Now that you have prepared your delicious Chinese white fungus chicken soup, it's time to serve it up! Here are a few serving suggestions to help make your meal even more enjoyable.
Garnishes
Garnishes can add a pop of colour and flavour to your soup. Consider adding some chopped spring onions, coriander leaves or sliced red chillies on top of the soup before serving. These garnishes will not only add a burst of flavour but also make your dish visually appealing.
Sides
For a complete meal, serve your Chinese white fungus chicken soup with some steamed rice or noodles. You can also add some stir-fried vegetables like bok choy or broccoli as a side dish. The combination of the soup and the sides will make for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Seafood
If you want to add some seafood to your soup, consider using prawns or scallops. These seafood options will complement the flavours of the chicken and white fungus and add a unique twist to the recipe. Simply add the seafood to the soup during the last few minutes of cooking and let it simmer until cooked through.
Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, make sure to bring the soup to a boil before serving. You can also freeze the soup for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw the soup in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove.
Enjoy your homemade Chinese white fungus chicken soup with your loved ones and experiment with different garnishes, sides and seafood to make the recipe your own.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you prepare white fungus for soup?
To prepare white fungus for soup, you need to soak it in water for about 20-30 minutes until it becomes soft. Then, remove the hard yellow part of the fungus and rinse it thoroughly. Tear the white fungus into smaller pieces if you prefer. You can then add it to your soup along with other ingredients.
What are the health benefits of white fungus in soup?
White fungus is a popular ingredient in Chinese soups due to its numerous health benefits. It is believed to improve blood circulation, boost the immune system, and promote healthy skin. Additionally, it is rich in dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making it a nutritious addition to any soup.
Can you share a simple method for making Chinese white fungus chicken soup?
Sure, here's a simple recipe for Chinese white fungus chicken soup:
Ingredients:
- 1/2 a chicken, skinned and chopped into chunky pieces
- 50g white fungus (shuet yee)
- 10g sweet and bitter almond mixture
- 12-15 pieces gingko nuts
- 1.5 litres hot water
- Seasoning: 1/2 tsp salt or to taste, 1/2 tsp sugar or to taste
Instructions:
- Soak the white fungus in water for 20-30 minutes until it becomes soft. Remove the hard yellow part of the fungus and rinse it thoroughly.
- Blanch the chicken in boiling water for a few minutes to remove any impurities.
- In a pot, add the chicken, white fungus, sweet and bitter almond mixture, gingko nuts, and hot water. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 1-2 hours until the chicken is tender and the soup is flavorful.
- Add salt and sugar to taste.
What's the best way to cook white fungus chicken soup in a slow cooker?
To cook white fungus chicken soup in a slow cooker, you can follow the same recipe as above, but instead of simmering on the stove, add all the ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours. This method allows the flavors to meld together slowly, resulting in a more flavorful soup.
How many calories are typically in a bowl of white fungus chicken soup?
The number of calories in a bowl of white fungus chicken soup depends on the specific recipe and serving size. However, on average, a bowl of white fungus chicken soup contains around 150-200 calories.
Does white fungus soup really help with a cough?
White fungus soup is often recommended for coughs due to its soothing and moisturizing properties. However, it is important to note that while it may provide relief for some, it is not a substitute for medical treatment. If you have a persistent cough, it is best to consult with a healthcare professional.
As a suggestion, you can add seafood such as prawns or scallops to the soup for a more luxurious flavour. Simply add them in the last 5-10 minutes of cooking to prevent overcooking.