Sunday, February 13, 2011

木瓜燉雞/Green Papaya and Chicken Soup


Green papaya and chicken soup is delicious.  It tastes light, fresh and naturally sweet. I made this soup for my husband the very first time I cooked for him when we were dating.  He told me that it was the most delicious soup he’s ever had.  He had no idea that a fruit like papaya could be turned into such a wonderful tasting soup.

Papaya is a very well known beauty food in China.  Green papaya is also useful in tenderizing meat and other proteins.  It is said to help with digestion, removing toxins from the body and refreshing the skin from the inside out.


Ingredients:

·      ½ lb green papaya (I usually just use one medium size papaya)
·      About 1lb chicken (I use a whole chicken)
·      1 oz sliced ginger
·      1½ tbsp salt
·      2.5 liter water (about half of a large soup pot)

Directions:

Take off the skin and fat from the chicken.  Peel the skin from the papaya, take out the seeds, and cut the papaya into medium sized cubes.

In a large soup pot, add papaya, chicken, ginger and water. Bring to a boil.  Reduce the heat to the lowest, use a soup strainer to strain all the dark bubbles on top of the water.  Cook for 3 – 4 hours, add salt.  Now enjoy your soup!


Same as other slow cooked Chinese soup, this soup can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days.  Just make sure to boil it for a few minutes before eating.

5 comments:

  1. I cooked it yesterday after work and we had it for dinner tonight. GREAT!!!!the whole family loved it!!!

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  2. Thanks for the comment Marta. I'm glad that you and your family enjoyed the soup. Try adding a few pork ribs when you start cooking. It will add a nice flavor to the chicken soup and make it even more delicious! It is a very distinctive taste in Cantonese soups!

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  3. Your blog keeps me busier than I used to be!I've got to try another soup today;the pork rib with green radish and carrot... delicious!
    I am prepared for the chicken asparragus this week as well!
    Very good job, Kelly!I love it!

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  4. Thanks Marta! Nothing makes me happier when people try my recipes.
    Let me know how the chicken asparagus goes or if you have any questions. Hope you enjoy it!!

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  5. I have four papaya trees in my backyard. I never used them for cooking until now. Thanks for the cooking advice. My asian friends here at the hospital told me about cooking with them...Now I am. thanks for the recipes. spforce@msn.com

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