Chinese Herbal Soup

Ingredients

Whole chicken

1 (about 3-4 lbs), cut into large pieces

Chinese yam

1 cup, peeled and sliced

Dried longan

1/2 cup

Red dates

1/2 cup, pitted

Goji berries

1/4 cup

Fresh ginger

2 inches, sliced

Salt

to taste

Water

12 cups

Instructions

1. Start by cleaning the chicken thoroughly and cutting it into large pieces to ensure even cooking.
2. Rinse the Chinese yam, goji berries, red dates, and dried longan under cold water to remove any impurities.
3. In a large pot, combine the chicken, sliced Chinese yam, dried longan, pitted red dates, goji berries, and sliced ginger.
4. Pour in 12 cups of water and bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
5. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer gently for about 2 hours. This slow cooking allows the flavors to meld and the nutrients to infuse the broth.
6. After simmering, season the soup with salt to taste. Adjust according to your preference.
7. For a clearer broth, strain the soup through a fine mesh strainer before serving.
8. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired, and enjoy the nourishing warmth.