Drunken Chicken Sesame Soup

 

A chicken clucking drunk out in the fields might be the image we may be imagining, but it’s not exactly what I am referring to. This is a traditional postpartum dish that also happens to be one of my favorite dishes growing up.

This dish is a staple for many women in China or Taiwan to consume during the postpartum time. According to traditional Chinese medicine, when a mother loses a tremendous amount of blood after giving birth, it can lead to a depletion of her energy and a decrease in body temperature. Therefore, consuming foods to warm the body, aid in healing, promote better circulation and rebuild energy is essential during the postpartum time.

The ingredients in this dish are made of the nourishing properties that all meet the requirements for the proper postpartum recovery. It contains chicken leg, sesame oil, ginger and rice wine. This simple yet complex dish provides all the benefits needed for a good recovery. Here is the break down of the ingredients and its benefits.

 
 
MyQi Blog - Drunken Chicken Sesame Soup
 
 

Chicken Leg Dark meat chicken contains more nutrients than white meat. It is packed full of minerals like zinc, selenium as well as vitamins A, K, and B, all of which aid in healing and strengthening.

Sesame Oil - A staple in any Asian house hold and frequently used in a majority of traditional postpartum dishes due to its high nutritional content. Sesame is rich in minerals like magnesium, calcium, iron and zinc that is needed for healing and rebuilding. It is also rich in vitamin E and antioxidants.

GingerGinger is another staple you will find in many postpartum dishes. It helps warm the body in order to promote better circulation. It also aids in digestion to help with gas and bloating (especially helpful after c-section). Ginger is also used in postpartum dishes to help eliminate toxins from the use of any medications during labor.

Rice WineChinese rice wine is often used to cook with either in soups or dishes. It warms the body and improves circulation which further strengthens healing and restoration.

Due to the wealth of nutrients contained in this dish, it is not only consumed during the postpartum period. It is also a well known dish that mothers like to prepare for their families especially during the winter to keep the body warm and the blood circulation strong.

After drinking this soup you can have all the benefits without the hangover the next morning. Happy drinking!

— Recipe

Drunken Chicken Sesame Oil Soup

  • 2 whole chicken legs, cut and divided into pieces

  • 10 slices ginger

  • 6 gm goji berries (optional)

  • 2 tbsp toasted sesame oil

  • 2 cups rice wine for cooking

  • 1 ½ cups water (or enough to cover chicken)

Bring water to a boil on a large pot. Scald chicken briefly in boiling water. Remove and place in a bowl. Heat a heavy, deep skillet, a wok or dutch oven over high heat. Add sesame oil and swirl around for a few seconds. Add ginger and sauté until fragrant or golden in color, being careful not to burn. Add chicken and cook until half done. Add rice wine and cook for 10 minutes, then add water and gouji berries. Bring heat down to low, cover wok or skillet with a lid and cook for 30 more minutes.

 
NutritionJessica ChenMyQiPostpartum, Meals, TCM1 Comment