Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
- 100g bird's nest
- 8 cups water
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch ginger, sliced
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped green onions for garnish
Special equipment needed:
- None
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Soak the bird's nest in water for at least 30 minutes or until it softens.
2. In a pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and ginger. Sauté for 2 minutes or until fragrant.
3. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides.
4. Pour in the water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and let it simmer for 1 hour or until the chicken is tender.
5. Remove the chicken pieces from the pot and set aside.
6. Add the soaked bird's nest to the pot and let it simmer for 10 minutes or until it becomes transparent.
7. Add the fish sauce, salt, and pepper to taste.
8. Return the chicken pieces to the pot and let it simmer for another 5 minutes.
9. Serve hot with chopped green onions as garnish.
- Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Cooking time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Temperature:
- None
Serving size:
- 4-6 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Protein: 30g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Chicken can be substituted with turkey or duck.
- Bird's nest can be substituted with vermicelli noodles.
Variations:
- Add vegetables such as carrots, celery, and mushrooms for a heartier soup.
- Use chicken broth instead of water for a richer flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- Soaking the bird's nest in water beforehand will help it soften faster.
- Skim off any impurities that rise to the surface while simmering the soup.
- Adjust the seasoning to your preference.
Storage instructions:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Reheat in a pot over medium heat until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve in a bowl with the chicken pieces and bird's nest visible on top.
Garnishes:
- Chopped green onions or cilantro.
Pairings:
- Serve with steamed rice or crusty bread.
Suggested side dishes:
- Steamed vegetables or a side salad.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the soup is too thick, add more water or chicken broth to thin it out.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure the chicken is cooked through before serving.
Food history:
- Bird's nest soup is a delicacy in Chinese cuisine and is believed to have health benefits.
Flavor profiles:
- Savory, slightly sweet, and delicate.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve as a main dish for a light meal or as a starter for a multi-course meal.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: N/A
Dietary: N/A
Ingredient: N/A
Meal type: N/A
Occassion: N/A
Region: Chinese
Taste: Savory, Umami, Rich, Comforting