Revitalize Your Autumn and Winter with the Traditional Chaozhou Soup Recipe

As the seasons change and the temperatures drop, it's essential to nourish your body with warm, hearty soups that not only satisfy your taste buds but also boost your immune system. One such soup that has stood the test of time in the Chaozhou region of China is the Chaozhou Autumn and Winter Nourishing Soup. This traditional recipe is a symphony of flavors and health benefits, perfect for the cooler months. Let's dive into the secrets of this timeless delicacy.

Ingredients:

- 1 whole chicken (about 2.5 kg)

- 500g of carrots

- 300g of lotus roots

- 200g of winter melon

- 100g of goji berries

- 50g of red dates

- 20g of ginseng slices

- 10g of codonopsis

- 10g of astragalus

- 10g of honey locust seeds

- 10g of Chinese wolfberry

- 10g of cinnamon

- 10g of ginger

- Salt to taste

- Water as needed

Preparation:

1. Begin by washing the chicken thoroughly and placing it in a large pot. Fill the pot with enough water to cover the chicken.

2. Add the ginseng slices, codonopsis, astragalus, honey locust seeds, and Chinese wolfberry to the pot.

3. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and let the chicken simmer for about 30 minutes.

4. While the chicken is simmering, peel the carrots and cut them into bite-sized pieces.

5. Peel the lotus roots and cut them into thick slices.

6. Peel the winter melon and cut it into cubes.

7. Wash the goji berries, red dates, cinnamon, and ginger.

Cooking the Soup:

1. After the chicken has simmered for 30 minutes, add the carrots, lotus roots, winter melon, goji berries, red dates, cinnamon, and ginger to the pot.

2. Let the soup simmer for another 30 minutes, or until all the vegetables are tender.

3. During the last 10 minutes of cooking, add the salt to taste.

4. Turn off the heat and let the soup cool slightly before serving.

Health Benefits:

The Chaozhou Autumn and Winter Nourishing Soup is a powerhouse of health benefits. Here are a few reasons why this soup is a must-try during the cooler months:

1. Immune System Boost: The combination of goji berries, red dates, and Chinese wolfberry, along with the immune-boosting properties of ginseng and codonopsis, helps strengthen your immune system, keeping you healthy and protected from colds and flu.

2. Energy and Vitality: The presence of ginseng and astragalus in this soup promotes energy and vitality, helping you stay active and alert during the long, cold winter days.

3. Digestive Health: The lotus roots and winter melon are known for their digestive benefits, aiding in the digestion of heavy meals and reducing bloating.

4. Hydration: The chicken and vegetables used in this recipe are rich in water content, helping to keep you hydrated and nourished during the dry, cold winter months.

5. Anti-aging: The presence of goji berries and red dates in the soup helps to promote skin health and reduce the signs of aging.

So, the next time you're looking for a warm, comforting meal to get you through the autumn and winter, try your hand at this traditional Chaozhou Autumn and Winter Nourishing Soup. Not only will your taste buds thank you, but your body will too!