Chinese Chicken Noodle Soup with Spinach and Garlic Chives

Chinese Chicken Noodle Soup with Spinach and Garlic Chives Recipe

Region / culture: China | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 2 hours | Servings: 4-6

Introduction

Chinese Chicken Noodle Soup with Spinach and Garlic Chives is a comforting and nutritious dish that is perfect for a cold day or when you're feeling under the weather. This recipe combines the flavors of tender chicken, aromatic ginger, and fresh greens in a flavorful broth that is sure to warm you up from the inside out.

History

Chinese Chicken Noodle Soup has a long history in Chinese cuisine, with variations of the dish being enjoyed for centuries. The addition of spinach and garlic chives adds a modern twist to this traditional recipe, providing a boost of vitamins and minerals to the dish.

Ingredients

1 x 3.5 to 4 lb (1.81 kg) chicken
8 thin slices of fresh gingerroot
1 bunch of scallions, cut crosswise into thirds
10 cups of water
0.75 cup of chinese rice wine or medium-dry sherry
2 oz (57 g) of dried rice-stick noodles (rice vermicelli)
0.5 lb (227 g) of fresh spinach, with coarse stems discarded and leaves washed, drained, and chopped coarse (about 4 packed cups)
0.75 cup of thinly sliced fresh garlic chives or regular fresh chives

How to prepare

Cut the chicken into large chunks. Crush the ginger roots and scallions. Bring the chicken, gingerroot, scallions, and rice wine to a boil.
Simmer for approximately 1.75 – 2 hours.
Add spinach and garlic chives.

Variations

Add sliced mushrooms or tofu for a vegetarian version of this soup.
Use different greens such as bok choy or kale in place of the spinach.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use fresh ginger and scallions for the best flavor in the broth.

- Simmering the chicken for a longer period of time will result in a richer and more flavorful broth.

- Adjust the amount of spinach and garlic chives to suit your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Chinese Chicken Noodle Soup with Spinach and Garlic Chives hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or sliced green onions.

Cooking Techniques

Simmering the chicken for a longer period of time will result in a richer and more flavorful broth.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use chicken broth in place of water for a richer flavor.

- Substitute baby spinach for regular spinach if desired.

Make Ahead Tips

The broth for this soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat the broth and add the spinach and garlic chives before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Chinese Chicken Noodle Soup with Spinach and Garlic Chives in individual bowls, garnished with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or a drizzle of chili oil.

Pairing Recommendations

This soup pairs well with steamed rice or a side of steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Chinese Chicken Noodle Soup with Spinach and Garlic Chives contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

The carbohydrates in this recipe come primarily from the rice vermicelli noodles and the vegetables. Each serving contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

The fats in this recipe come from the chicken and any added oils. Each serving contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

The protein in this recipe comes from the chicken. Each serving contains approximately 25 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This recipe is rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin A, vitamin C, and iron from the spinach and garlic chives.

Alergens

This recipe contains gluten from the rice vermicelli noodles. It may also contain soy if soy sauce is used as a seasoning.

Summary

Overall, this recipe is a nutritious and balanced meal that provides a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Chinese Chicken Noodle Soup with Spinach and Garlic Chives is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a comforting meal. With its flavorful broth, tender chicken, and fresh greens, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the thrill of stumbling upon this recipe for Chinese Chicken Noodle Soup with Spinach and Garlic Chives. It was a cold winter day, and I found myself browsing through an old cookbook that I had inherited from my own grandmother. As I flipped through the pages, my eyes landed on a worn and stained page with the title of the recipe written in faded ink.

I remembered my grandmother talking about this soup, how it was a family favorite that she had learned from a Chinese friend many years ago. I could almost taste the rich broth and tender chicken, mingling with the fresh spinach and pungent garlic chives. I knew that I had to try my hand at making it.

I gathered all the ingredients I would need from the local market, carefully selecting the freshest spinach and garlic chives. I could feel the excitement building as I prepared the chicken, chopping and slicing with precision. As the broth simmered on the stove, filling the kitchen with a tantalizing aroma, I felt a sense of pride and accomplishment.

When the soup was finally ready, I ladled it into bowls and garnished it with a sprinkle of chopped chives. The first spoonful brought a flood of memories rushing back – the taste of my grandmother's cooking, the warmth of her kitchen, the love that she poured into every dish.

I knew that I had found a new favorite recipe, one that would be passed down through the generations. And as I savored each spoonful of the delicious soup, I felt a deep connection to my past and a sense of gratitude for the culinary traditions that had shaped me.

Over the years, I have made this soup countless times, each batch a little different than the last. I have added my own twist to the recipe, experimenting with different spices and seasonings to create a soup that is uniquely my own. But no matter how many times I make it, the taste always takes me back to that cold winter day when I first discovered the recipe in my grandmother's cookbook.

I have shared this recipe with friends and family, who have all raved about its delicious flavor and comforting warmth. It has become a staple in my kitchen, a go-to dish that never fails to impress. And every time I make it, I think of my grandmother and the legacy of love and tradition that she passed down to me.

As I sit here, savoring a bowl of Chinese Chicken Noodle Soup with Spinach and Garlic Chives, I am filled with gratitude for all the recipes and culinary wisdom that I have inherited. I am proud to carry on the tradition of good food and good company, knowing that each spoonful of soup connects me to the past and nourishes my soul in the present.

And so, I will continue to make this soup for years to come, sharing it with those I love and passing on the recipe to future generations. For in every bowl of soup, there is a story – a story of family, tradition, and the simple joy of a homemade meal. And that, to me, is the true magic of cooking.