Soup > Asian Soups > Vietnamese Soups > Lemongrass Soups

Lemongrass and Ginseng Chicken Soup Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
- 8 cups water
- 2 stalks lemongrass, bruised and chopped
- 2 inches ginger, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons ginseng, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped

Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Ladle
- Soup bowls

Step-by-step instructions:

1. In a large pot, add the chicken, water, lemongrass, ginger, garlic, and ginseng. Bring to a boil over high heat.

2. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 30 minutes.

3. Remove the chicken from the pot and let it cool. Once cooled, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces and set aside.

4. Add the onion, carrots, celery, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Let it simmer for another 20 minutes.

5. Add the fish sauce, lime juice, and shredded chicken to the pot. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes.

6. Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the cilantro.

7. Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot.


Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 55 minutes
Temperature:
Simmer over low heat
Serving size:
4-6 servings

Nutritional information:
Calories: 200
Fat: 5g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 30g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Chicken can be substituted with turkey or tofu.
- Lemongrass can be substituted with lemon zest.
- Ginseng can be substituted with dried shiitake mushrooms.

Variations:
- Add rice noodles to make it a heartier meal.
- Add coconut milk for a creamier soup.
- Add chili flakes for a spicier soup.

Tips and tricks:
- Bruise the lemongrass before chopping to release its flavor.
- Use a sharp knife to easily slice the ginseng.
- Shred the chicken after it has cooled to prevent it from becoming dry.

Storage instructions:
Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
Reheat the soup in a pot over low heat until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
Garnish with a sprig of cilantro and a slice of lime.

Garnishes:
Cilantro and lime

Pairings:
Serve with a side of steamed rice or crusty bread.

Suggested side dishes:
Steamed rice or crusty bread

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the soup is too salty, add more water or chicken broth.
- If the soup is too bland, add more salt or fish sauce.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Store the soup in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.

Food history:
Lemongrass and ginseng are commonly used in traditional Asian medicine for their health benefits.

Flavor profiles:
Savory, slightly sweet, and aromatic.

Serving suggestions:
Serve as a light meal or as an appetizer.

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Region: Thai

Taste: Tangy, Herbal, Citrusy, Savory