This soup is a classic in our house. Red dates are used in Chinese cooking to restore blood and energy, especially in women. If my (Chinese) mother in law has anything to say about it, I eat at least one serving of red dates every day for the first month after I give birth, or for the first week after I finish my monthly date with "Aunt Flo." I used to really detest the taste of red dates, but they have since grown on me. This is a truly simple soup, and pretty tasty!
Ma's Chicken and Red Date Soup
Ingredients:
10 red dates (hung jou) (紅棗)
1 chicken breast
3 quarts water (about half of a standard soup pot)
Bring ingredients to a boil, and reduce heat to a simmer. Continue cooking until broth is a rich brown color, dates have burst, and chicken is cooked through and can be shredded.
Salt can be added, but you certainly don't need it. Enjoy!
