Samgyetang

About the dish

Samgyetang, ginseng chicken soup, is the classic summer restorative — Koreans 'fight heat with heat,' since the body's core actually cools in summer and digestion weakens. A whole young chicken is stuffed and simmered until tender.

Key ingredient

Ginseng (insam) — is traditionally valued for balanced blood sugar, sharpens memory and recovery, lifts immunity and circulation, and has antioxidant, anti-tumor effects. Peak in September, from Geumsan; the prized Korean variety.

Ingredients

Main: young chicken, glutinous rice, ginseng, jujube, garlic, milk vetch, chestnut · Seasoning: salt, pepper, scallion

Simple recipe

1. Stuff the chicken with soaked glutinous rice, ginseng, jujube and garlic.
2. Truss the legs to hold it together.
3. Add water and simmer over an hour.
4. Cook until the meat is tender and the broth is rich.
5. Serve with salt, pepper and sliced scallion.

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