This comforting chicken soup features the warm, aromatic flavors of ginger and the earthy tones of shiitake mushrooms, making it perfect for cold days or when you need a soothing meal. It’s not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, offering a boost to your immune system.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, grated
- 8 ounces shiitake mushrooms, stems removed and caps sliced
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 carrot, peeled and sliced into thin rounds
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional)
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
Directions:
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and ginger. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and the mixture is fragrant.
- Cook the Mushrooms: Add the shiitake mushrooms to the pot and cook for another 5 minutes, or until they begin to soften and release their moisture.
- Brown the Chicken: Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the chicken pieces to the pot, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is no longer pink on the outside, about 5 minutes.
- Simmer the Soup: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Add the sliced carrot and celery. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the chicken is cooked through.
- Season the Soup: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and soy sauce, if using.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with sliced green onions and fresh cilantro, if desired.
- Enjoy: Serve the soup hot for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Tips:
- For a more robust flavor, consider adding a dash of sesame oil or a few drops of fish sauce to the soup before serving.
- This soup can easily be made vegetarian by substituting the chicken with tofu and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- If fresh shiitake mushrooms are unavailable, dried shiitake mushrooms can be used instead. Rehydrate them in hot water for 20 minutes before slicing.
Nutrition Facts (approximation per serving):
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Protein: 25g
Prep and Cooking Time:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Servings:
- Serves: 4-6
This Chicken Soup with Ginger and Shiitake Mushrooms is not only a feast for your taste buds but also a comforting embrace for your soul. Its healing properties and delightful flavors make it an ideal meal for recuperating days, chilly evenings, or whenever you crave a bowl of warm, nutritious soup.
