Cordyceps Chicken Soup

Oct 1, 2023, 06:13 PM

3 hours

Ah, Cordyceps Chicken Soup, the very essence of my culinary rebellion! You see, in a world brimming with mediocrity, I couldn't bear to create just another mundane chicken soup. No, that wouldn't do for someone of my discerning taste and disdain for the ordinary. So, I delved deep into my fungal fascination and discovered the wonders of cordyceps, nature's little marvel. Infused into a rich, soul-soothing chicken broth, these potent fungi not only elevate the flavor but also infuse it with a vitality that matches my fervor for a better world. As I stirred the pot, I realized that in this fusion of earthy mushrooms and hearty chicken, I had found my culinary manifesto—a humble bowl of soup that encapsulates my snarky spirit, grumpy defiance, and unwavering advocacy for a world as unique as my Cordyceps Chicken Soup itself. So, dare to savor this creation, for it embodies my paradoxical essence, and with every spoonful, you taste a morsel of the change I long to see.

Ingredients

For the Cordyceps Infusion:

10-15 dried Cordyceps Militaris mushrooms
1 cup hot water

For the Broth

1 whole chicken
10 cups hot water
3 carrots, peeled and chopped
3 celery stalks, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1-inch piece of ginger, sliced
1-2 bay leaves
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Soup

2 cups sliced mushrooms (you can use a variety of your favorite mushrooms)
1 cup chopped spinach or kale
1 cup chopped leeks or onions
1 cup diced carrots
1 cup diced celery
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)

Preparation

Step 1

Make the Cordyceps Infusion: Place the dried Cordyceps militaris mushrooms in a bowl. Pour 1 cup of hot water over the mushrooms to create an infusion. Let the mushrooms steep in hot water for about 15-20 minutes. This will rehydrate them and release their beneficial compounds into the liquid. Strain the infusion to remove the mushrooms, reserving the liquid. Set the liquid aside.

Step 2

Make the Broth: In a large pot, combine the whole chicken, 10 cups of water, halved onion, chopped carrots, chopped celery, minced garlic, sliced ginger, bay leaves, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 1-2 hours, skimming off any impurities that rise to the surface. After simmering, remove the chicken from the pot. Once it's cool enough to handle, shred the chicken meat and discard the bones and skin.

Step 3

Assemble the soup: Return the shredded chicken to the pot with the strained Cordyceps infusion and additional water if needed to reach your desired soup consistency. Add the sliced mushrooms, chopped spinach or kale, diced carrots, diced celery, and chopped leeks or onions to the pot. Simmer the soup for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and flavors meld together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4

Ladle the Cordyceps Chicken Soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro if desired. Serve hot and enjoy the nourishing and flavorful soup.