Authentic Old Hen Chicken Soup Noodles
A nourishing, restorative bowl featuring tender farm-raised old hen and silky noodles in a rich, golden broth infused with earthy shiitake and aromatic ginger.
Old hen soup is a time-honored staple in many traditional kitchens, prized for the depth of flavor that only a mature, free-range chicken can provide. By slow-cooking the hen with aromatic ginger and savory shiitake mushrooms, the broth develops a distinctive golden hue and a complex, comforting profile. This recipe elevates the humble bird into a hearty noodle meal, perfect for when you need a dish that feels like home.
Ingredients
- 1 whole farm-raised old hen
- 200 g thin egg noodles
- 100 g fresh shiitake mushrooms
- 30 g fresh ginger
- 2 stalks bok choy
- 1 stalk green onion
- to taste salt
Instructions
- 1Prepare the chicken
Wash the whole old hen thoroughly, then place it into a large metal pot filled with hot water. Using hot water helps to immediately lock in the rich flavors of the chicken.
Tip: Removing excess chicken fat before boiling can help keep the final soup clear and less greasy. - 2Add shiitake mushrooms
Slide the sliced shiitake mushrooms from a plate directly into the pot with the chicken. The mushrooms will absorb the chicken broth and add a deep, earthy umami flavor to the soup.
Tip: Fresh shiitake mushrooms work great, but rehydrated dried shiitake mushrooms can offer an even more concentrated flavor. - 3Slice in fresh ginger
Cut several slices of fresh ginger directly into the pot. Ginger is essential for eliminating unwanted poultry odors and adding a warming, aromatic depth to the chicken soup.
Tip: You can leave the skin on the ginger for extra earthy flavor, provided it is washed thoroughly. - 4Pressure cook the soup
Close the lid of the pressure cooker and lock it securely into place. Set the cooker to run for about 20 minutes to completely tenderize the old hen and extract a rich, golden broth.
Tip: Always ensure the pressure valve is set to the correct sealing position before you begin cooking. - 5Boil the noodles
While the chicken soup is finishing up, bring a separate wok or pot of water to a rolling boil. Drop a bundle of raw thin noodles into the boiling water to cook.
Tip: Stir the noodles immediately after adding them to the water to prevent them from clumping together.
