The Coveted Soup

 The Traditional Mandate.

Maybe this is a repeat. But even if it's one, it's worth it because consuming it is always a pleasure. So for Chinese mothers, mothers-in-law, mothers to be and confinement help, let's have a go at it again.

The Rice Wine Chicken soup.

Bottled in this manner, the rice wine is popular in Chinese homes, especially when there is an impending birth in the near future . This rice wine can be used for cooking and for some, even sipping it before bedtime gives them the kick. However, I have been informed that the home-made wine is illegal and can only be brewed for private consumption ? If the tradition is discontinued the Chinese home has actually lost an art. So, I think this must never be taken off the shelf.

 Perhaps I should learn to prepare it too?

Essential for this soup is ginger and sesame oil.

For a whole chicken it is good to have 3/4  bowl ( rice bowl) of ginger and 2 gloves of garlic; minced.

With about 3 tablespoons of sesame oil and a spoonful of vegetable oil, heat it up before adding the minced ginger and garlic. Fry them till fragrant and the well fried aroma is indication to add chicken pieces.

 Do not be in a hurry to fry the chicken pieces but patiently stir fry till chicken is well fried ; say about 15-20 minutes.

Then add in the rice wine ; for a whole chicken it is best to add in the whole bottle of wine.

Then you may add in a bowl or two of plain water to lessen the alcohol content. Depending on the taste of the wine; some are sweet while others may be sour; you have to add in some sugar and salt to taste.

On a wok, it should look like the above and transfer it to a pot and simmer over a small fire.

If the chicken is  free range , you may have to simmer longer than a non free one. Some do not prefer the chicken to be too soft ; so watch over it and taste intermittently before switching off the fire.

You can serve it plain with rice; promise you'll want more.

I have also added some fried eggs  at times; some even may add black fungus. All these extras will improve the taste further. But for confinement mothers, the plain version will do.

Besides chicken, some will use hog kidneys for breakfast for mothers who have just given birth.

The rice wine is a versatile ingredient to complement Chinese cooking .

It is good to have a bottle at any one time. 

Enjoy your chicken rice wine soup.