Soothing Your Stomach A Traditional Guangdong Soup Recipe for Nourishing Your Spleen and Stomach

In the heart of Guangdong province, where culinary traditions are steeped in both history and health benefits, there exists a treasure trove of soups designed to nourish and soothe the spleen and stomach. These soups, known for their delicate balance of flavors and healing properties, are a staple in Chinese medicine and are particularly revered for their ability to balance the body's internal harmony. Here, we delve into a classic Guangdong soup recipe that promises to be a comforting and restorative experience for those seeking to strengthen their spleen and stomach.

Classic Guangdong Soup Recipe: Spleen and Stomach Nourishing Soup

Ingredients:

- 1 whole chicken (about 2.5 kg)

- 1/2 cup Chinese yam (shredded)

- 50g dried goji berries

- 30g ginseng root (sliced)

- 20g codonopsis root (sliced)

- 15g astragalus root (sliced)

- 10g Chinese dates (pitted)

- 10 pieces of Chinese wolfberry leaves

- 1/2 cup lotus seeds

- 1/2 cup black fungus (soaked and sliced)

- 1/4 cup sweet potato (sliced)

- 1/2 liter water

- Salt to taste

- A pinch of rock sugar (optional)

Instructions:

1. Begin by preparing the chicken. Clean the chicken thoroughly, remove any feathers, and cut into bite-sized pieces. Rinse the chicken pieces under cold water to remove any impurities.

2. In a large pot, bring the water to a boil. Add the chicken pieces and boil for about 5 minutes. This step is known as scalding and helps to remove impurities from the meat.

3. After scalding, remove the chicken from the pot and rinse it again under cold water. This ensures that the final soup is clear and free of impurities.

4. In a clean pot, add the 1/2 liter of water and bring it to a gentle simmer. Add the ginseng root, codonopsis root, astragalus root, and Chinese wolfberry leaves to the water. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes to release the flavors of the herbs.

5. Add the shredded Chinese yam, dried goji berries, Chinese dates, lotus seeds, black fungus, and sweet potato to the pot. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.

6. Gently place the chicken pieces back into the pot. Cover the pot and continue to simmer on low heat for at least 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the chicken is tender and the soup has reached a rich, golden hue.

7. Taste the soup and add salt to taste. If desired, you can also add a pinch of rock sugar for a touch of sweetness.

8. Once the soup is ready, serve it hot. It can be enjoyed on its own or with a side of steamed white rice for added heartiness.

Health Benefits:

This Guangdong soup recipe is not just a culinary delight but also a health booster. The combination of ingredients is thought to have the following benefits:

- Chicken: High in protein and vitamins, it helps to strengthen the body's immune system.

- Ginseng: Known for its energy-boosting properties and ability to enhance mental clarity.

- Codonopsis root: Rich in saponins, it is believed to help improve digestion and boost the immune system.

- Astragalus root: Used in traditional Chinese medicine to boost the immune system and increase energy levels.

- Chinese dates and goji berries: Both are known for their antioxidant properties and ability to nourish the blood.

- Lotus seeds: Excellent for calming the mind and improving sleep quality.

Enjoy this comforting and restorative Guangdong soup not only as a meal but also as a daily ritual to keep your spleen and stomach in optimal health.