Ramen

Thick Chicken Soup with Mushrooms and Seaweed: A Delicacy Inspired by Asian Tradition

Thick chicken soup with mushrooms and seaweed is a recipe that brings a touch of refinement and warmth to every bowl. Although originating from Asian culture, this soup has all the ingredients necessary to become everyone's favorite. Designed to be comforting and full of flavors, this recipe will turn any meal into a feast. Throughout this recipe, I will share with you the history, the secrets of the ingredients, and some delicious variations!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Necessary ingredients:

- 2.5 liters of chicken broth (or water with broth cubes)
- 2 large garlic cloves
- 2 medium onions
- 50 g seaweed (preferably wakame)
- 5 shiitake mushrooms (or other mushrooms)
- 2 carrots
- 1 green onion
- 2 chicken thighs
- 2 chicken wings
- 3 cm ginger root (or ½ teaspoon ginger powder)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 30 ml sake (or dry white wine)
- 200 g Rolton noodles
- 2 hard-boiled eggs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for browning

The Story of Thick Soups:

Thick chicken soup with mushrooms and seaweed has deep roots in Asian culinary traditions, where soups are considered not just dishes but also remedies for the soul. This soup enjoys popularity due to its comforting taste and the nutritional benefits it offers. Seaweed and mushrooms not only enrich the flavor but also provide a significant amount of vitamins and minerals, making this soup a healthy and nourishing choice.

Preparing the Thick Soup:

1. Hydrating the seaweed and mushrooms:

Start by hydrating the seaweed and mushrooms. Place them in a bowl with cold water and let them soak for 30 minutes. This step is essential to make them soft and to facilitate their integration into the soup.

2. Preparing the soup base:

In a large pot, add 2.5 liters of chicken broth (or water with broth cubes). Bring to heat and add the peeled and sliced ginger, julienned onion, sliced carrots, and the cleaned and halved seaweed and mushrooms. Let everything simmer over medium heat for 30 minutes. The flavors will blend wonderfully, creating a rich and savory base for the soup.

3. Browning the chicken:

In a separate pan, add a little olive oil and brown the cleaned and halved chicken thighs and wings. Add soy sauce and sake, stirring occasionally. Let them simmer until the meat becomes juicy and caramelized, about 15 minutes. This step will add a deep and intense flavor to the dish.

4. Adding the noodles:

Meanwhile, return to the pot with the soup. Add the Rolton noodles and let them cook for 15 minutes until they become al dente. They will absorb the flavors from the soup and become the perfect base for this dish.

5. Finalizing the dish:

Once the noodles are ready, add the finely chopped green onion to the soup, stirring well. Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper to your liking.

6. Serving:

Serve the soup hot, adding half a hard-boiled egg and a piece of chicken in each bowl. You can sprinkle a little extra green onion for added freshness and color.

Practical Tips:

- Ingredients: Choose fresh mushrooms for a more intense flavor. Wakame seaweed is an excellent choice, but you can experiment with different types of seaweed.
- Sake: If you don't have sake, dry white wine is a good alternative. Don't hesitate to adjust the quantities to taste.
- Variations: You can add vegetables like broccoli or peas for an extra nutrient boost. You can also replace the chicken with pork, according to the original recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions:

- Can the soup be frozen?
Yes, this soup can be frozen. Make sure to let it cool completely before storing it in airtight containers.

- Can I use whole grain noodles?
Absolutely! Whole grain noodles will add extra fiber and nutrients.

- How can I make the soup vegetarian?
You can replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Nutritional Benefits:

This soup is rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals. Seaweed is an excellent source of iodine and antioxidants, while mushrooms are rich in B and D vitamins. Carrots provide a significant amount of beta-carotene, essential for eye health.

Serving Suggestions:

For a complete culinary experience, you can serve this soup alongside a fresh vegetable salad or a refreshing green tea drink. A slice of crusty bread or a rice cake would be ideal to complement the meal.

In conclusion, thick chicken soup with mushrooms and seaweed is a versatile and flavorful dish, perfect for any occasion. I wish you great success in preparing this recipe and, above all, enjoy your meal!