Lu Zi Wen Ji

Lu Zi Wen Ji Recipe - Traditional Hong Kong Chicken and Chestnut Dish

Region / culture: Hong Kong | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Lu Zi Wen Ji is a traditional Chinese dish that combines tender chicken with flavorful chestnuts in a savory sauce. This dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion.

History

Lu Zi Wen Ji has been a popular dish in Chinese cuisine for centuries. It is believed to have originated in the Jiangsu province of China, where chestnuts are a common ingredient in many dishes. The combination of chicken and chestnuts creates a delicious and hearty meal that is loved by many.

Ingredients

0.5 piece (450 g) chicken
300 g chestnuts
2 stalks spring onion
4 slices ginger
2 tbsp shaoxing wine

Sauce

1 tbsp light soy sauce
3 tbsp dark soy sauce
0.5 tbsp sugar
0.5 tbsp salt
200 ml water

How to prepare

Wash the chicken and pat it dry. Cut it into medium-sized bite pieces.
Chop the spring onion into short stalks.
Remove the shells of the chestnuts and boil them in hot water for 3 minutes. Then remove the membrane.
Heat a wok with 2 tbsp of oil. Add ginger and spring onion, followed by Shaoxing wine.
Add the chicken and stir-fry it well. Pour in the sauce and reduce the heat to low once it boils.
When the chicken becomes soft and half tender, add the chestnuts and continue to stir and braise.
Keep the heat low and braise the chicken until the sauce is almost dry. Then, remove from heat and serve.

Variations

Substitute chicken with pork or beef for a different flavor.
Add vegetables such as bell peppers or mushrooms for added texture and color.
Use different nuts such as walnuts or almonds for a unique twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to pat the chicken dry before cutting it into pieces to ensure a crispy texture.

- Boiling the chestnuts before removing the membrane helps to make them easier to peel.

- Stir-fry the chicken on high heat to seal in the juices and create a flavorful crust.

- Braise the chicken on low heat to allow the flavors to meld together and create a tender texture.

Serving Suggestions

Lu Zi Wen Ji can be served with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. Add a side of steamed vegetables for a healthy and balanced dinner.

Cooking Techniques

Stir-frying the chicken on high heat helps to seal in the juices and create a crispy texture.

- Braising the chicken on low heat allows the flavors to meld together and create a tender texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use tamari sauce instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option.

- Substitute honey or maple syrup for sugar for a healthier alternative.

Make Ahead Tips

Lu Zi Wen Ji can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Lu Zi Wen Ji in a decorative serving dish garnished with chopped spring onions for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Lu Zi Wen Ji with a light and refreshing cucumber salad or a side of pickled vegetables for a balanced meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Lu Zi Wen Ji in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Lu Zi Wen Ji contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Lu Zi Wen Ji contains approximately 20g of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Lu Zi Wen Ji contains approximately 15g of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Lu Zi Wen Ji contains approximately 30g of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Lu Zi Wen Ji is a good source of vitamin B6, iron, and potassium.

Alergens

Lu Zi Wen Ji contains soy and nuts (chestnuts).

Summary

Lu Zi Wen Ji is a balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious meal option.

Summary

Lu Zi Wen Ji is a delicious and nutritious Chinese dish that combines tender chicken with flavorful chestnuts in a savory sauce. With a balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, this dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first saw this recipe for Lu Zi Wen Ji. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Mei at her family's home in the countryside. Mei's mother was known for her delicious cooking, and I had been eagerly awaiting the chance to learn some of her secrets.

As I sat at the kitchen table, Mei's mother busied herself with preparing the ingredients for the dish. She moved with such grace and precision, her hands deftly chopping vegetables and marinating the chicken. I watched in awe as she worked, each movement deliberate and purposeful.

I couldn't help but ask her about the dish she was making. "Lu Zi Wen Ji," she said with a smile. "It's a traditional Chinese dish that my grandmother used to make. It's a family favorite, and I'm happy to pass the recipe down to you."

I was overjoyed at the prospect of learning this cherished family recipe. Mei's mother began to explain the steps to me, her voice soft and comforting. She spoke of the importance of using fresh ingredients, of cooking with love and care. I listened intently, absorbing every word as if it were a precious gift.

The recipe for Lu Zi Wen Ji was simple yet elegant. It called for tender pieces of chicken marinated in a blend of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic. The chicken was then stir-fried with colorful bell peppers and snow peas, creating a dish that was both visually stunning and bursting with flavor.

As Mei's mother guided me through the cooking process, I felt a sense of peace wash over me. The kitchen was filled with the aromas of garlic and ginger, the sizzle of the chicken as it cooked in the wok. I could almost hear the laughter of generations past, the echoes of family gatherings and shared meals.

As the dish came together, Mei's mother urged me to taste it. I took a bite, savoring the flavors that danced on my tongue. The chicken was tender and juicy, the vegetables crisp and vibrant. It was a perfect balance of savory and sweet, a harmony of ingredients that spoke of love and tradition.

I thanked Mei's mother profusely for sharing her recipe with me. She smiled warmly, her eyes twinkling with pride. "Cooking is more than just following a recipe," she said. "It's about connecting with your heritage, with the people who came before you. It's a way to honor their memory and keep their traditions alive."

I left Mei's family home that day with a heart full of gratitude and a notebook filled with recipes. The recipe for Lu Zi Wen Ji held a special place among them, a testament to the power of food to bring people together and bridge the gap between generations.

Over the years, I have made Lu Zi Wen Ji countless times, each time with a sense of reverence and joy. It has become a staple in my own family, a dish that we gather around and share with laughter and love. And every time I make it, I remember that warm summer day in Mei's kitchen, and the sense of anticipation that filled my heart.