When it’s cold outside, this chicken dish will keep you warm. This dish is not only delicious — it’s an ideal meal for those in cancer treatment. The chicken and vegetables nourish, while the... gingery broth soothes digestion. However warming it may feel, according to traditional Chinese medicine, ginger is actually cooling to the body, making this perfect to eat during both chemo and radiation. It is really simple to make, too. The gentle method we’ve used to steam the chicken is Chinese in origin, and if you can resist opening the lid for half an hour, you will end up with perfectly cooked chicken, and a rich, flavorful gingery broth that is great to sip on if you feel nauseated.
Put the chicken in a heavy pot with the ginger, daikon, and leeks. Add enough water to almost cover the chicken and sprinkle with salt. Bring to a boil, then cover and bring the heat to low. Simmer for 15 minutes, then turn the heat off and leave the chicken in the pot to steam for 30 minutes. Do not remove the lid.
While the chicken is steaming, drain the mushrooms, cut off the hard stalks, and thinly slice. Heat ½ cup water in a small saucepan and simmer the mushrooms for 5 minutes. Drain. Set aside.
Take the chicken from the pot and thinly slice the breasts. Bring the broth to a boil. Taste for salt.
Divide the spinach between 4 bowls. Add the mushrooms and then some sliced chicken. Cover with hot broth. Add a pinch of cilantro and scallions. Serve immediately.
Chef Tips
If you are on a bland diet, you may want to use only ½ the amount of ginger root, and leave out the garlic and scallions.
If you’d like to add some calories and bulk the soup up, soak and soften some rice noodles in hot water, about 1 ounce per person. Drain, and add to the bowls before the vegetables, chicken, and broth.
If you like a little spice, mix together 1 teaspoon of toasted sesame oil, 2 teaspoons Thai chili sauce, and 1 teaspoon of soy sauce. Serve family style in a small dipping bowl. Individuals can add the sauce to the broth to suit their taste.
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