Eldritch Elixirs: Po Po's Celestial Chicken Broth

Eldritch Elixirs: Po Po's Celestial Chicken Broth

 

The Secret Ingredient of Shining Stars

In the bustling lanes of Shanghai, Po Po's eatery, "Shining Stars," was a haven for many. Her famed "Power Soup" was believed to possess healing magic. Made with Chicken, Goji berries, and Glehnia Root, it was a monthly delight.

One day, a young chef named Liang entered, curious about this soup's charm. With a single taste, he was enchanted. Under Po Po's guidance, he learned the recipe and, eager to impress, introduced ginger and lemongrass to the mix.

The result? A harmonious blend of tradition and innovation. The two chefs laughed, realizing that beyond ingredients, the real magic was love and dedication.

And so, in the heart of Shanghai, a soup was more than just a meal; it was a tale of legacy and creativity.

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 2.5 hours
Serves: 4-6

Ingredients:

  1. 2-3 pieces of Chicken, skin on
  2. 3 pieces of Glehnia Root (Glehnia littoralis)
  3. 8-10 Dried Chinese Red Dates (Ziziphus jujuba)
  4. ¾ cup of dried Goji berries
  5. 2 chicken stock cubes
  6. 1 tablespoon of ginger, thinly sliced
  7. 1 stalk of lemongrass, bruised
  8. 2 tablespoons of light soy sauce
  9. Freshly ground black pepper
  10. 2 green onions, finely chopped for garnish
  11. Optional: ½ cup of cooked jasmine rice per serving

Method:

  1. Begin by cleaning the Chicken pieces. Pat them dry with a paper towel.
  2. In a deep saucepan, heat a small amount of oil over high heat. Add the ginger slices and sauté until aromatic.
  3. Add the chicken pieces to the pan. Sear the chicken on all sides until it has a nice golden brown colour.
  4. Once the chicken is well-seared, pour in 2.5 litres of water. Add the Glehnia root, Chinese red dates, and goji berries.
  5. Crumble the stock cubes into the mixture. Add the bruised lemongrass stalk, light soy sauce, and a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper.
  6. Bring the mixture to a boil. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to a low simmer. Cover the pot with a lid.
  7. Allow the soup to simmer gently for about 2 to 2.5 hours. Check occasionally and add more water if the level drops significantly.
  8. After simmering, remove the saucepan from heat. Using a sieve or colander, strain all the solid ingredients from the soup, collecting the broth in another pot or large bowl.
  9. Once strained, remove the meat from the chicken pieces. Discard the skin, bones, and cartilage. Shred the chicken meat and set aside.
  10. Return the strained broth to the saucepan. Add the shredded chicken meat to the soup and let it warm up over low heat.
  11. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If you prefer a saltier taste, you can add a splash more of soy sauce.
  12. Serve the soup hot, garnished with chopped green onions. If desired, add half a cup of cooked jasmine rice to each serving.

This revamped version of Po Po’s Power Soup incorporates additional flavours like ginger and lemongrass, providing a delightful aromatic twist to the classic recipe. Enjoy this nourishing and warming soup, perfect for chilly days or when in need of a healthful boost!