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This Thanksgiving, consider incorporating traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) foods to add a unique and healthful twist to your feast.
Start with a warming ginger and goji berry soup, believed in TCM to boost the immune system and aid digestion. For a main course, prepare a savory herbal chicken using TCM staples like ginseng, astragalus, and Chinese dates.
These recipes not only bring a touch of TCM wisdom to your Thanksgiving table but also offer a delightful fusion of flavors and holistic well-being.

Ginger and Goji Berry Warming Soup

This soup is not only delicious but also aligns with the principles of traditional Chinese medicine, using ingredients known for their warming and immune-boosting properties.

Instructions

Ingredients:

– 1 cup dried goji berries
– 1 cup sliced shiitake mushrooms
– 1 cup diced carrots
– 1 cup chopped bok choy
– 3 tablespoons grated fresh ginger
– 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Green onions for garnish

Step 1: Prepare Ingredients

– Rinse the dried goji berries and set them aside.
– Slice the shiitake mushrooms, dice the carrots, and chop the bok choy.

Step 2: Heat Sesame Oil

– In a large pot, heat sesame oil over medium heat.

Step 3: Saute Ginger

– Add grated ginger to the pot and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 4: Add Vegetables

– Add sliced shiitake mushrooms, diced carrots, and chopped bok choy to the pot.
Cook for another 3-5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.

Step 5: Pour Broth

– Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth into the pot. *

Step 6: Simmer

– Bring the soup to a simmer and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

Step 7: Season

– Add soy sauce and rice vinegar to the soup. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste.

Step 8: Add Goji Berries

– Gently stir in the dried goji berries and let them simmer in the soup for an additional 5 minutes.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

– Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped green onions.

Step 10: Enjoy the Warming Soup

– Serve the ginger and goji berry soup hot, embracing the traditional Chinese medicine principles of warming and nourishing properties.

Chinese Herbal Medicine Roasted Chicken

chinese herbs

Ingredients:

– 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds)
– Chinese herbs (such as goji berries, astragalus, ginseng, dried dates)
– 3 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
– 2 tablespoons sesame oil
– 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon five-spice powder
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

– In a bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, Shaoxing wine, honey, dark soy sauce, five-spice powder, minced garlic, and grated ginger.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

– Clean and pat dry the whole chicken.
– Rub salt and pepper over the chicken, inside and out.
– Generously coat the chicken with the prepared marinade, making sure to get it into the cavity as well.
– Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight in the refrigerator.

Step 3: Prepare Chinese Herbs

– Rinse the Chinese herbs thoroughly.
– Soak them in warm water for about 30 minutes.

Step 4: Preheat the Oven

– Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 5: Stuff the Chicken

– Take the marinated chicken out of the refrigerator.
– Stuff the chicken cavity with the soaked Chinese herbs.

Step 6: Roast the Chicken

– Place the chicken on a roasting pan or oven-safe dish.
– Roast in the preheated oven for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
– Baste the chicken with the marinade every 30 minutes for a flavorful glaze.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

– Once cooked, let the chicken rest for 15 minutes before carving.
– Serve the roasted chicken with the herbs as a beautiful and flavorful centerpiece for your traditional Chinese medicine-inspired meal.