Rinse the chicken and blanch briefly in boiling water to remove impurities.
2
In a large pot, add water, chicken, ginseng, red dates, ginger, and spring onions.
Bring to a boil, then reduce to low heat and simmer for 2–3 hours.
3
Season with salt and serve hot.
This soup was believed to boost vitality and strengthen the immune system.
Notes
The 14th century in China corresponds to the Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368) and the beginning of the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644), a period in which imperial cuisine was refined and deeply influenced by traditional Chinese medicine 🌿.
One of the most important culinary sources from that era is „Yinshan Zhengyao“ (饮膳正要), written by Hu Sihui, imperial physician to the Yuan court. This work was not just a cookbook, but a nutritional guide for the health of the emperor and his courtiers.
Author: Hu Sihui, Yinshan Zhengyao (1330) Beliefs & Benefits: • Ginseng was considered a powerful qi (vital energy) tonic, used to combat fatigue and mental fog. • Red dates (jujube) were believed to nourish the blood and calm the spirit (shen). • Chicken provided warming energy (yang) and was ideal for restoring strength after illness.
Ingredients
1whole chicken , cut into pieces
10dried red dates (jujube)
20gdried ginseng root (or fresh if available)
3slices fresh ginger
2spring onions
Salt to taste
2lwater
Directions
1
Rinse the chicken and blanch briefly in boiling water to remove impurities.
2
In a large pot, add water, chicken, ginseng, red dates, ginger, and spring onions.
Bring to a boil, then reduce to low heat and simmer for 2–3 hours.
3
Season with salt and serve hot.
This soup was believed to boost vitality and strengthen the immune system.
Notes
The 14th century in China corresponds to the Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368) and the beginning of the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644), a period in which imperial cuisine was refined and deeply influenced by traditional Chinese medicine 🌿.
One of the most important culinary sources from that era is „Yinshan Zhengyao“ (饮膳正要), written by Hu Sihui, imperial physician to the Yuan court. This work was not just a cookbook, but a nutritional guide for the health of the emperor and his courtiers.
Author: Hu Sihui, Yinshan Zhengyao (1330) Beliefs & Benefits: • Ginseng was considered a powerful qi (vital energy) tonic, used to combat fatigue and mental fog. • Red dates (jujube) were believed to nourish the blood and calm the spirit (shen). • Chicken provided warming energy (yang) and was ideal for restoring strength after illness.
AuthoradminCategoryAsian Recipes, Old RecipesDifficultyIntermediate
