Mini Coconut, Snow Fungus and Free-Range Chicken Soup

Why people make this soup

While buying red dates, the shopkeeper showed Nourilo some fresh Indian mini coconuts, even cutting them open so he could check the flesh was snow-white and mold-free before paying — wise, since shipping time can hide spoilage inside an intact-looking shell. He bought two, both clean and fragrant, and simmered them with snow fungus, carrot and red dates over free-range chicken. The result is made to nourish the complexion, moisten the skin, support yin and the kidneys, clear dryness-heat and gently replenish — just the thing for dry weather.

Method

1. Cut the coconut into chunks and rinse; soak the snow fungus soft and remove the stem; peel and chunk the carrot; pit the red dates.
2. Chop the chicken into large pieces and blanch.
3. Combine everything with 2.4 L of water and simmer about 1.5 hours down to 1.2–1.5 L.

Nourilo’s Tips

This soup is sweet and tasty and suits all four seasons. It is especially nourishing for those with dry skin, a dull complexion, or who feel depleted after childbirth or illness. But skip it if you still have an unresolved cold.