The Perfect Recipe for Cooking a StomachNourishing Soup for Kids

Cooking a stomach-nourishing soup for kids is a great way to ensure they receive the necessary nutrients to support their growing bodies. This soup, often referred to as Yang Pi Tang in Chinese medicine, is designed to strengthen the spleen and stomach, promote digestion, and boost overall health. Below, we will guide you through the process of preparing this delightful and nourishing soup that your kids will love.

Ingredients

Before diving into the cooking process, gather the following ingredients:

- Chicken (or any preferred meat) - 1 whole

- Fresh carrots - 2

- Fresh potatoes - 2

- Fresh radishes - 2

- Fresh ginseng - 1 piece (optional)

- Chinese dates - 10

- Goji berries - 1 handful

- Astragalus root - 5-10 slices

- Dried tangerine peel - 1 piece

- Rock sugar - to taste

- Water - 10 cups

Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Begin by washing all the vegetables thoroughly. Peel the carrots, potatoes, and radishes, then chop them into bite-sized pieces. Rinse the ginseng, dates, goji berries, and astragalus root. Finally, wash the dried tangerine peel and chicken.

2. Boil the Chicken: Place the chicken in a large pot and cover it with water. Bring the water to a boil, then let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This process is called “scalding” and helps remove any impurities from the chicken. Once the water boils, discard the water and clean the chicken with fresh water.

3. Add the Herbs and Vegetables: Put the cleaned chicken back into the pot and add the chopped carrots, potatoes, radishes, ginseng, dates, goji berries, astragalus root, dried tangerine peel, and rock sugar. Fill the pot with 10 cups of water and bring the mixture to a boil.

4. Simmer the Soup: Once the soup comes to a boil, reduce the heat to a low simmer and cover the pot. Let the soup simmer for about 1-2 hours, or until the meat is tender and the flavors have melded together. Stir the soup occasionally to prevent sticking.

5. Adjust the Taste: After simmering, taste the soup and adjust the taste with more rock sugar if needed. The soup should have a slightly sweet and savory flavor.

6. Serve the Soup: Once the soup is ready, strain it to remove any solids. Serve the soup hot, ensuring that it is at a safe temperature for your child to consume.

Tips for Cooking a Stomach-Nourishing Soup

- Choose Quality Ingredients: The quality of the ingredients is crucial for the effectiveness of the soup. Opt for fresh, organic produce whenever possible.

- Monitor the Cooking Process: Keep an eye on the soup while it simmers. Adjust the heat as needed to maintain a gentle simmer.

- Season with Care: Rock sugar is a great way to sweeten the soup, but be careful not to add too much. The soup should taste slightly sweet and savory.

- Serve in Small Portions: Children may not be able to consume large quantities of soup, so serve it in small portions. You can also offer it as a side dish with other nutritious foods.

By following this recipe, you can prepare a delicious and nourishing stomach-nourishing soup for your kids that will help support their growth and development. Enjoy cooking and savoring this delightful soup with your family!