Black Chicken Herbal Soup

When mom was around, she used to make herbal soup at least thrice weekly—Black Chicken Herbal Soup is one of my favorites. These days I will be lucky if I managed to cook two bowls of tonic soup per week. Chinese herbal soups aren’t difficult to prepare, matter of fact it is one of the easiest soups by far compare all cultures. The challenge I have is to remember to turn the heat down and off when it’s supposed to. Many times, I end up having almost “dry” soup.

Chinese herbal soups and cuisine are all about good controlling heat and proper use of time, that’s if you want delicious meals.

Anyway, as I said in my previous post, Snowball had Black Chicken Herbal soup as one of the party dishes. Also happens to be a favorite soup among my dogs.

This is my version of Black Chicken Herbal Soup recipe as to why I use the certain herbs. I’ve listed the basic benefits of these individual herbs.

Important note: It’s easy to be carried away by all these herbs benefits. Do not be tempted to over compensate the ingredients and feed your dog solely on this diet. Like all medicines, consuming more than it requires doesn’t equal better. Sometimes it can be fatal!

Black Chicken, Silkie: Richer in protein as compare to the “white” chicken.

Dang Shen, Codonopsis Root: It is commonly used as a heart tonic—strengthens and tones the heart and helps in blood circulation. It also benefits the lungs.

Huai Shan, Chinese Wild Yam: It nourishes the kidneys, lungs, and strengthens the stomach. It is believed to be a good remedy for urinary disorder and asthma.

Guo Qi Zi, Chinese Wolfberry Fruit: It nourishes and tones the liver and kidney. It’s said to improve vision and delaying white hair growth.

Hong Zao, Chinese Date: It protects and benefits blood flow in the liver. It also improves muscles strength.

Serving: 4 soupy meals for small dogs.

Ingredients:

• 1 Black Chicken (whole)
• 2 medium length of Dang Shen
• 2 medium slices of fresh Huai Shan
• 1 tbsp of Guo Qi Zi
• 6 Hong Zao
• 4 slices of Ginger
• 4 cups of water

Method One:

1. Wash the chicken thoroughly; remove the necessary organs, head, neck, feet, if they are still intact. Removing of the skin is optional as black chicken is less fatty than regular chicken.
2. Rinse all the herbs (Dang Shen, Huai Shan, Guo Qi Zi, Hong Zao) lightly. They shouldn’t be anywhere filthy when you bought them from reputable Chinese herb stores or pre-pack packages in Chinese supermarket.
3. Place all the ingredients in an earthen stewing pot, do not cover the lid.
4. Place the pot in a steamer or wok and steam over boiling water for 30 to 45 minutes and let it cook for another 2 hours on low heat.

Method Two:

1. Follow step 1 and 2 as the above.
2. Place all the ingredients into a crockpot. Cook it on high heat for 30 minutes and let it simmer for another 2 hours.

Let it cool, shred the chicken into bite size, and serve with the soup. This is one sure way to get your dog’s daily water requirement up on par.

Special Notes: The soup shouldn’t turn cloudy during the process. It’s supposed to be clear of light brownish color. Discard the herbs, they’re not meant to be eaten. Except for Guo Qi Zi, if you so desire. It has a slight sweet taste. You may want to add a teaspoon of organic soy sauce for your own consumption.

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