Monday, September 28, 2015

Chinese-Style Cabbage Soup with Rice Noodles

Developed Spring-Summer, 2015. Quick, light nourishment providing hydration, savory cabbage, and carbohydrates from slippery rice noodles. 
Stock
1 qt (1 L) water
5 oz (150 g) napa cabbage, cut into 1 inch pieces
2 T (30 g) chicken base (Better Than Bouillon Organic Reduced Salt™ is good)
2 t salt
Seasonings
1 t sugar
1 T soy sauce (Kikkoman™ is good)
1 t Chinese rice wine
1 t fish sauce
1 t dark sesame oil
4 oz rice noodles, soaked 1/2 hour in cold water, and drained
Garnish
shreds of cooked chicken, pork, lamb, or beef
bean sprouts
sweet basil leaves
Bring the water, base, and salt to a boil in a three-quart covered saucepan. Add the cabbage and seasonings, reduce to a fast simmer, and cover. Cook until the cabbage is almost done. Add the noodles and simmer until tender, about 10 minutes. Ladle into bowls and offer garnishes. Variation: add prepared fish balls or pork balls when five minutes remain.

Wednesday, September 23, 2015

Poached Chicken

Adapted from Julia Child's original recipe (Mastering the Art of French Cooking, Volume II). An easy one-pot supper that is light but satisfying, a family favorite for more than 40 years. 
4 lb fryer, cut up, or breasts with attached ribs plus bone-in thighs
3 T butter
4 large carrots, peeled and cut into large diagonal pieces
1 large white onion, cut through poles into large wedges
3 ribs celery, cut into large diagonal pieces
1 leek, cleaned of soil and sliced across
2 c chicken stock
1 c dry white wine
1 t dry tarragon
salt and pepper
Skin chicken parts and trim away all visible fat. Heat a large heavy pot over medium, and add the butter. When sizzling stops, stir in the vegetables, and saute for five minutes. Add chicken, cover, and turn off heat for 5 minutes. Add stock, wine, and tarragon. Return to a simmer for 45 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve over steamed white rice in a deep bowl, along with the vegetables and broth. Serves four as a main course.