Herbal Chicken & Lotus Root Soup

Ingredients (Serves 4–5)

• 1 lb (450g) bone-in chicken pieces (preferably thighs or drumsticks, skin removed)

• 1 medium lotus root, peeled and sliced into thin rounds

• 6 dried shiitake mushrooms, soaked until soft, stems removed

• 6 red dates (jujubes), pitted

• 2 slices fresh ginger

• 1 piece dried tangerine peel (optional, adds authentic Cantonese fragrance)

• 1 small piece of dried goji berries (about 2 tbsp, rinsed)

• 6 cups water

• 1 tbsp Shaoxing rice wine (optional)

• Salt to taste

• Scallions for garnish

Preparation (Nutri-Stahl 3 QT Method)

1. Blanch chicken

   • In the 3 QT Nutri-stahl, add water and bring to a boil.

   • Add chicken pieces, boil for 3 minutes to remove impurities, then rinse chicken under cold water. Discard blanching water.

2. Build the soup base

   • Add 6 cups of fresh water to the 3 QT.

   • Place chicken, ginger slices, red dates, shiitake mushrooms, lotus root slices, and dried tangerine peel.

3. Simmer gently

   • Cover and bring to a boil over medium heat.

   • Once boiling, reduce to low heat and simmer for 1.5 hours until flavors meld.

4. Finish the soup

   • In the last 10 minutes, add goji berries and Shaoxing wine.

   • Season with salt to taste.

5. Serve

   • Ladle into bowls, garnish with fresh scallions, and enjoy the aromatic, slightly sweet, deeply nourishing soup.