Ismail Merchants Very Hot Chicken Soup Food

ISMAIL MERCHANT'S VERY HOT CHICKEN SOUP

Steps:

• Put the chicken in a straight-sided 3-to-5 quart nonreactive pot, and add just enough water to cover. It should not take more than 6 cups. If it does, cut the chicken in quarters so no more water will be needed.
• Add all the other ingredients, except for cilantro or parsley, using the minimum amounts of chili pepper, salt and black pepper for the first 25 minutes of cooking time. Simmer gently, partly covered, for 15 minutes, adding water if necessary to maintain original level.
• Taste for seasoning and cautiously add more chili, salt and black pepper. Continue to cook for another 20 to 25 minutes, until chicken is just about falling off the bones. Keep adding water to maintain original level. Remove cooked chicken, cloves and chili pepper stems, if any. Pick the chicken meat from the bones, discard skin and bones and return small chunks of chicken to the soup. Garnish with cilantro or parsley leaves.

JELLIED CUCUMBER, HERB AND LIME SOUP

Steps:

• In a cup, soften the gelatin in the water for five minutes. Pour it and the stock into a small saucepan, and stir over low heat until dissolved.
• Put the mixture into a food processor, along with the cucumber, scallions and lime juice. Process until mixture is smooth, with a little texture (not a fine puree).
• Season with dill, chives, salt and pepper. Add more lime juice if desired. Pour into a bowl, cover and refrigerate three hours or overnight.
• When ready to serve, use a large spoon to stir the solids throughout the jellied soup. Scoop it into cups or stemmed glasses, and garnish each with a thin slice of lime.

QUICK & EASY HOT-AND-SOUR CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP

Steps:

• Bring a small pan of water to the boil and cook the noodles following pack instructions. Drain, rinse under cold running water to stop them cooking further, then drizzle over a little oil to prevent them sticking together. Divide between 2 deep bowls.
• Heat a wok over high heat and add the rest of the oil. When it starts to smoke, add the ginger and chilli, then stir-fry for a few secs. Add the chicken and stir-fry for 2 mins. As the meat starts to turn brown, add the rice wine and cook for 3 mins more. Add the vegetable stock, bring to a simmer, then add the mushrooms. Season with the dark soy, light soy and rice vinegar.
• Bring back to a simmer, then add the cornflour paste. Simmer and stir until thickened. Stir in the beansprouts and most of the spring onions, then ladle the soup over the noodles. Serve immediately, scattered with the remaining spring onions.