Chicken Liver Peasprout Soup
Comfort in a Bowl: Authentic Chicken Liver Soup (Northern Chinese Style)
Looking for a quick, nourishing, and deeply flavorful soup? Look no further than this classic Northern Chinese Chicken Liver Soup! This isn’t your average soup; it’s a comforting and surprisingly delicate dish that’s packed with umami and incredibly easy to make. Traditionally a home remedy for boosting energy and vitality, this soup is perfect for a chilly evening or when you’re feeling under the weather.
This recipe focuses on achieving a clean, non-gamey flavor from the chicken liver, which is key to enjoying this dish. The quick blanching and marination process removes any unwanted metallic taste, leaving you with a tender, flavorful soup. The addition of fresh peasprouts (豆苗) adds a lovely sweetness and crisp texture.
What makes this Chicken Liver Soup special?
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes! Perfect for busy weeknights.
- Nourishing: Chicken liver is a nutritional powerhouse, rich in iron and vitamins.
- Authentic Flavor: This recipe captures the essence of Northern Chinese home cooking.
- Delicate Texture: The careful preparation ensures tender liver and crisp peasprouts.
Tips for Success:
- Freezing the Liver: Freezing the chicken liver for about an hour before slicing makes it much easier to work with and helps remove any lingering impurities.
- Removing Impurities: Don’t skip the skimming step! Removing the reddish protein that rises to the surface is crucial for a clear and clean-tasting soup.
- Peasprout Substitute: If you can’t find peasprouts (豆苗), regular beansprouts make a perfectly acceptable substitute.
- Shaoxing Rice Wine: This is a key ingredient for adding depth of flavor. If you don’t have it, you can substitute with dry sherry, but the flavor won’t be quite the same.
Serving Suggestions:
Enjoy this soup piping hot as a light lunch, a comforting starter, or a nourishing meal on its own. A sprinkle of finely chopped spring onions or a drizzle of sesame oil can add an extra layer of flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is chicken liver soup healthy?
A: Absolutely! Chicken liver is incredibly nutrient-dense, packed with iron, vitamin A, and B vitamins. It’s a great way to boost your energy levels and support overall health.
Q: Can I use other types of stock?
A: While chicken stock is traditional, you could experiment with vegetable stock for a lighter flavor. However, chicken stock provides the best depth of flavor.
Q: What if I don’t like the taste of liver?
A: This recipe is designed to minimize any strong liver flavor. The marination and skimming process help to create a delicate and clean-tasting soup. Start with a smaller amount of liver if you’re hesitant.
Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A: It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the stock and marinate the liver ahead of time. Add the peasprouts and finish cooking just before serving.
Chicken Liver Soup
Ingredients
- 25 g chicken liver
- 50 g peasprouts 豆苗 - can be replaced with beansprouts
- 250 ml chicken stock
- 3 tbs Shaoxing rice wine 绍兴酒
- to taste Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Clean the chicken livers by rinsing them several times in clean water. It is best to place them for about an hour in the freezer before slicing them into thin slices. After slicing them, rinsing them again and again to get rid of the red colour.
- Once clean, place your sliced chicken liver in a bowl and marinate with Shaoxing rice wine, a dash of salt and pepper. Cover and leave aside for 10 minutes.
- Rinse your fresh peasprouts in water, dry and set aside.
- Place your chicken stock in a pot and bring to boil. Drain your chicken liver and cook them in the chicken stock. Turn the heat to low and use a spoon to skim of the reddish protein that now floats on the surface.
- Take out two serving bowls, divide up your peasprouts and place them in the bowls.
- Add salt and pepper to taste on your soup. Bring it to boil them take it off the fire and pour into the serving bowls.
- Serving piping hot.
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