Raindrop Soup
Raindrop Soup Recipe - Chinese Chicken Soup with Water Chestnuts and Scallions
Introduction
Raindrop Soup is a light and flavorful Chinese soup that is perfect for a rainy day or when you're feeling under the weather. This soup is simple to make and is packed with delicious ingredients that will warm you up from the inside out.
History
Raindrop Soup has been a popular dish in Chinese cuisine for centuries. It is believed to have originated in the Sichuan province of China, where it was traditionally served as a comforting and nourishing meal during the rainy season. The name "Raindrop Soup" comes from the way the droplets of soup resemble raindrops falling into a bowl.
Ingredients
- 6 water chestnuts
- 2 scallions
- 1 tbsp sherry
- 3 cups chicken stock (1 cup = 250 ml)
- 6 oz (170 g) diced cooked chicken
- salt and pepper
How to prepare
- Slice the water chestnuts and finely slice the spring onions (scallions).
- Place them in a saucepan along with the chicken stock and chicken.
- Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat to simmer, covering it for 15 minutes.
- Stir in the sherry and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Variations
- Add shrimp or tofu for a different protein option.
- Stir in a beaten egg for a silky texture.
- Garnish with cilantro or sesame seeds for added flavor.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Be sure to slice the water chestnuts and spring onions thinly for a delicate texture in the soup.
- Simmer the soup gently to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Raindrop Soup with steamed rice or a side of stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
Cooking Techniques
Simmering, boiling
Ingredient Substitutions
Use tofu instead of chicken for a vegetarian option.
- Substitute vegetable broth for chicken stock for a vegan version.
Make Ahead Tips
Prepare the soup up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.
Presentation Ideas
Serve Raindrop Soup in individual bowls garnished with a sprinkle of chopped spring onions for a beautiful presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
Pair this soup with a side of steamed dumplings or a light salad for a well-rounded 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
Calories: 200 per serving
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates: 12g per serving
Fats
Fats: 5g per serving
Proteins
Proteins: 20g per serving
Vitamins and minerals
This soup is rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, and potassium.
Alergens
This recipe contains soy and wheat allergens.
Summary
Raindrop Soup is a low-calorie, high-protein soup that is rich in essential vitamins and minerals.
Summary
Raindrop Soup is a comforting and nourishing Chinese soup that is perfect for a rainy day. Packed with flavorful ingredients and easy to make, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your household.
How did I get this recipe?
The moment I found this recipe is etched in my memory. It was a rainy day, much like today, when I stumbled upon it in an old cookbook that had been sitting on a dusty shelf in the back of my kitchen. The pages were yellowed and fragile, the ink faded, but the words were still clear enough for me to read.
I had never heard of Raindrop Soup before, but the name intrigued me. As I read through the ingredients and instructions, I knew I had to give it a try. The recipe called for simple ingredients - chicken broth, eggs, cornstarch, soy sauce, and green onions - but the method of preparation was unlike anything I had ever seen.
According to the cookbook, Raindrop Soup was a traditional Chinese dish that was said to have been created during a time of great famine. The story went that a clever chef had come up with a way to stretch a small amount of ingredients into a satisfying and nourishing meal by using a technique that created the illusion of more food.
I was fascinated by the history behind the recipe and eager to recreate it in my own kitchen. I gathered the ingredients and set to work, following the instructions carefully. The first step was to heat the chicken broth to a simmer in a large pot. In a separate bowl, I whisked together the eggs and cornstarch until they formed a smooth and creamy mixture.
Once the broth was simmering, I began to slowly pour the egg mixture into the pot, stirring gently with a wooden spoon as I did so. The eggs immediately began to form into delicate, wispy strands that floated in the broth like raindrops falling from the sky. I added a splash of soy sauce for flavor and a handful of chopped green onions for a pop of color and freshness.
As I ladled the soup into bowls and took my first spoonful, I was amazed at how comforting and satisfying it was. The broth was rich and flavorful, the eggs were light and fluffy, and the green onions added a bright, crisp contrast. It was a simple dish, but one that packed a powerful punch of flavor and warmth.
I couldn't wait to share my discovery with my family and friends. Over the years, Raindrop Soup became a favorite in our household, especially on rainy days when we craved something cozy and comforting. I began to experiment with different variations, adding in ingredients like shredded chicken, mushrooms, and tofu to create new and exciting versions of the classic dish.
I shared the recipe with anyone who would listen, passing it along to friends, neighbors, and even strangers who stopped by for a visit. It became a staple at potlucks and dinner parties, always eliciting rave reviews and requests for seconds.
As the years passed, I continued to make Raindrop Soup whenever the mood struck, finding comfort in its simplicity and nostalgia in its history. The recipe had become a part of me, a piece of my culinary legacy that I was proud to pass down to future generations.
And so, as I sit here now, stirring a pot of Raindrop Soup on another rainy day, I can't help but smile at the memories that flood back to me with each fragrant waft of steam. This recipe may have come from a dusty old cookbook, but to me, it is a treasure trove of stories, flavors, and love that will always hold a special place in my heart.
Categories
| Chicken Soup Recipes | Chicken Stock And Broth Recipes | Chinese Recipes | Green Onion Recipes | Sherry Recipes | Water Chestnut Recipes | World Recipes |