Long Rice Chicken Soup

Long Rice Chicken Soup Recipe from Guam with Chicken, Vegetables, and Bean Threads

Region / culture: Guam | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 6

Introduction

Long Rice Chicken Soup is a comforting and hearty dish that is perfect for a cold day. This recipe combines tender chicken, vegetables, and Chinese bean threads in a flavorful broth that is sure to warm you up from the inside out.

History

Long Rice Chicken Soup has its origins in Filipino cuisine, where it is known as "Sotanghon." This dish is often served during special occasions and family gatherings, as it is a symbol of warmth and togetherness.

Ingredients

1 chicken
1 medium onion
1 tbsp olive oil
2 qt (1.89 liter) water
3 or 4 chicken bouillon cubes
6 medium potatoes
2 stalks celery
2 carrots
1 small package frozen peas
1 package annatto seeds
1 package Chinese bean threads
crushed red peppers
salt and pepper

How to prepare

Cut the chicken into pieces.
In a skillet, brown the chicken and onion in olive oil with the skin on.
Add water and bouillon cubes to the skillet.
Cook until the chicken is tender.
You can debone and cut it into smaller pieces or leave it as is.
Cut the potatoes, celery, and carrots into bite-sized pieces and add them to the chicken broth.
Add frozen peas to the skillet.
In a deep bowl, stir achiote seeds in hot or boiling water to create a rich red liquid.
Strain the seeds out and add the liquid to the soup.
In a large bowl, soak the Chinese bean threads in boiling water until soft.
Add the softened bean threads to the soup.
Season with crushed red pepper, salt, and pepper to taste.

Variations

You can add other vegetables such as bell peppers, green beans, or spinach to the soup for added nutrition and flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To add extra flavor to the soup, you can brown the chicken and onion before adding them to the broth.

- Make sure to season the soup with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper to taste.

- Soaking the Chinese bean threads in boiling water before adding them to the soup will ensure that they are soft and tender.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Long Rice Chicken Soup hot with a side of steamed rice or crusty bread.

Cooking Techniques

Browning the chicken and onion before adding them to the broth will enhance the flavor of the soup.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you can't find Chinese bean threads, you can use rice noodles or vermicelli instead.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the soup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat it before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Long Rice Chicken Soup with fresh herbs such as cilantro or green onions for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

This soup pairs well with a crisp green salad or a side of roasted vegetables.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the soup on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

300 per serving

Carbohydrates

30g per serving

Fats

8g per serving

Proteins

25g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This soup is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals such as potassium and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains gluten from the Chinese bean threads.

Summary

This Long Rice Chicken Soup is a well-balanced meal that provides a good source of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Long Rice Chicken Soup is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. With tender chicken, vegetables, and Chinese bean threads in a flavorful broth, this soup is sure to become a family favorite.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was a chilly autumn day, and I had just returned home from a long day at the market. As I was unpacking my groceries, I stumbled upon an old, tattered cookbook that had been tucked away in the back of my pantry. Curious, I flipped through the pages and came across a recipe for Long Rice Chicken Soup.

The recipe was handwritten in beautiful cursive script, and as I read through the ingredients and instructions, I could almost smell the tantalizing aroma of the soup simmering on the stove. It was a simple recipe, calling for just a few basic ingredients – chicken, long rice, vegetables, and broth – but I could tell from the detailed instructions that it would be a labor of love to prepare.

As I read through the recipe, I couldn't help but think back to my childhood, when my own grandmother would spend hours in the kitchen, preparing delicious meals for our family. She had a knack for cooking, and a talent for bringing people together around the dinner table. I remembered the warmth and comfort of her kitchen, the sound of laughter and conversation as we shared our day over a steaming bowl of soup.

Inspired by my grandmother's love of cooking, I decided to give the Long Rice Chicken Soup recipe a try. I gathered the ingredients, chopped the vegetables, and seasoned the chicken just as the recipe instructed. As the soup simmered on the stove, filling the kitchen with its savory aroma, I felt a sense of connection to my past and to the generations of women who had passed down their culinary wisdom to me.

When the soup was finally ready, I ladled it into bowls and set the table for dinner. As my family gathered around, I could see the anticipation in their eyes as they took their first spoonful of the fragrant broth. The flavors were rich and complex, the long rice adding a satisfying chewiness to each bite. As we ate, the conversation flowed easily, just as it had in my grandmother's kitchen all those years ago.

From that day on, Long Rice Chicken Soup became a staple in our household. It was a dish that brought us comfort on cold winter nights, and nourishment when we were feeling under the weather. I would often make a pot of soup and deliver it to neighbors and friends, sharing the recipe and spreading the warmth and love that went into each batch.

Over the years, I have added my own twists and variations to the recipe, experimenting with different herbs and spices, and adapting it to suit the tastes of my family. But no matter how many times I make it, the memory of that first time I found the recipe for Long Rice Chicken Soup will always hold a special place in my heart.

As I sit here now, surrounded by my loved ones, enjoying a steaming bowl of soup on a chilly autumn day, I am grateful for the gift of cooking and the joy it brings to my life. And as I watch my grandchildren take their first tentative bites, I can't help but wonder if one day they too will stumble upon a treasured recipe, and carry on the tradition of sharing love and nourishment through food.