Reishi, Black Bean, Longan and Silkie Chicken Soup

Why people make this soup

For anyone who often feels short of breath, tired, low in spirits and sleeping poorly, the tradition turns to soups that gently restore energy, calm the mind and support the liver and kidneys. Reishi is a prized tonic in this tradition, long associated with supporting the body’s defenses, calming the spirit and easing into restful sleep. Nourilo picked up a small frozen silkie chicken at the market — glossy black skin, clearly not a fast-grown hormone bird — and built it into this warming, restoring pot with reishi, black soybean, goji and longan.

Method

1. Clean the silkie chicken, cut in half and blanch. Soak and rinse the other ingredients separately.
2. Simmer everything in 2.4 L of water for about 1.5 hours, reducing to 1.2–1.5 L. Serve.

Nourilo’s Tips

Purple-black reishi is not too bitter and its medicinal taste is mild. This soup is helpful for those whose constitution is weak after surgery or illness, with a poor complexion or thinning hair. But those still fighting off a cold or flu should not take it.