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Ten-treasure tonic chicken soup
十全大補雞湯
“The pot she makes when someone needs looking after.”
Ingredientsone pot, serves 4
Method
- Give the herbs a quick rinse, or simply use a ready-made 十全 (Ten Complete) soup pack from a dried goods or herbal shop.
- Blanch the dressed chicken (汆水, a quick boil that draws out the blood and scum).
- Put everything in with the ginger slices, add 3 litres of water and bring to the boil over high heat.
- Turn the heat to low and simmer for 2 to 3 hours, then season with salt.
Who it suits
- people low in both qi and blood
- after a serious illness
Who should take care
- Avoid with a cold or fever
- Avoid if you run hot and dry with yin depletion and rising fire
- Pregnant women need a practitioner's guidance
Soup stories
It comes from the Song dynasty formula 十全大補湯, the Ten Complete Great Tonic Decoction. In Hong Kong most people buy it as a ready-made herb pack from a dried goods or herbal shop.
From the same family
Lo Fo Tong is cultural food-heritage reference, not medical advice. If you are pregnant, unwell or on medication, talk to your doctor or registered practitioner before changing what is in the pot.