Ismail Merchants Very Hot Chicken Soup Recipes

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.

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.

WHITE GAZPACHO

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spread almonds on a cookie sheet, and bake until lightly toasted, about 15 minutes. Cool.
• In a food processor or blender, blend almonds and garlic into a uniformly fine, gritty paste.
• In a small bowl, moisten the bread in 1/4 cup water and squeeze dry. Add to the almond-garlic mix, and blend. Add 4 cups stock or water, olive oil, vinegar and salt. Blend until smooth. If a fine texture is desired, strain through a medium-fine sieve. Cover and chill 4 hours or overnight.
• To serve, taste for salt and stir in grapes. Ladle into bowls and scatter croutons on top.

HOT AND SOUR CHICKEN SOUP

Steps:

• In a saucepan, combine the chicken broth, water, mushrooms, bamboo shoots, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and hot pepper flakes. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer while you assemble the rest of the ingredients.
• Place the chicken slices into a bowl and toss with the sesame oil to coat. In a separate bowl, stir together the cornstarch and vinegar, and set aside.
• Increase the heat under the broth to medium-high, and return to a rolling boil. Add the chicken slices. Return to a boil, and then drizzle in the egg while stirring slowly to create long strands of egg. Stir in the vinegar and cornstarch. Simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until chicken is cooked through and the broth has thickened slightly, about 3 minutes. Serve garnished with green onions and cilantro.

TOMATO AND ORANGE SOUP

Steps:

• If using ripe tomatoes, wash, core and cut them into chunks, reserving any juice.
• In a wide nonreactive saucepan or skillet, melt the butter, then stir in the onion and the fresh or canned tomatoes and their juices. Cook over medium heat for 2 minutes. Add the stock, cover and simmer gently for 15 minutes. Remove from heat, and puree in a food processor or put through a food mill. Stir in the orange juice and mint or basil. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Cover, and chill 3 hours or overnight.
• To serve, ladle into bowls and, if desired, garnish with an orange slice or cherry tomatoes and a sprig of mint or basil.