Herbal Chicken with Dried Scallop and Chicken Essence

This is a nutritious and delicious herbal chicken soup. Chinese have been using herbs in cooking for thousands of years. Herbal chicken is said to have the effect of strengthening our body, boosting our immunity and improving our general well-being. Coming from a Chinese family, my dad has been preparing this soup for us since we were young. He usually prepares this soup using a double boiler.

For my version, i have opted to use a steamer instead. And i've also added Chicken Essence for that extra flavour and nutrition.

Ingredients;

1                   Chicken Thigh

2                   Red Dates

2                   Dried Longan

1 tbsp           Wolfberry

1                   Shitake Mushroom

2                   Dried Scallops (soaked in water)

1 tbsp            Oyster Sauce

1 tbsp            Light Soya Sauce

1 tbsp            Shao Xing Wine (optional)

1 tsp              Sesame Oil

                      water

1 bottle          Chicken Essence

1. Put all ingredients (except chicken essence) in a bowl, add some water, and cover with lid.

2. Put in a steamer and steam until chicken is cooked, soft and tender.

3. Before removing the chicken, put the bottle of chicken essence to the steamer to warm it up.

4. Just before serving, pour chicken essence into the herbal chicken, and serve immediately.

Another way of eating this will be to serve the chicken with Mee Sua.