十全大补汤 and Its Preparation Method

The十全大补湯is a soup dish renowned for its rich and savory flavors, embodying both culinary and medicinal values. Crafted with an array of fresh ingredients and a meticulous blend of ten traditional Chinese medicinal herbs, it comprises five types of minor ingredients and five types of seasonings. Simmered gently over low heat, this soup is a nutrient-dense masterpiece, ideal for nourishing the body and addressing conditions such as hypertension, anemia, diabetes, asthma, and a weak constitution.

Specific Formula for 十全大补湯:

The cornerstone of this dish lies in its meticulous ingredient selection, including chicken, duck, cuttlefish, goose, pork belly, pork ribs, jujube (red dates), bamboo shoots, and a host of esteemed traditional Chinese medicinal herbs like Atractylodes macrocephala, Poria cocos, Codonopsis pilosula, Astragalus membranaceus, Radix paeoniae alba, and Rehmannia glutinosa. These fresh ingredients are harmoniously combined with ten medicinal herbs, five minor ingredients, and five seasonings, and then slowly simmered to create a soup that is both rich and nourishing.

Preparation Method:

1. Dice the chicken, duck, goose, pork belly, pork ribs, and pork knuckles into walnut-sized pieces. Place them in a casserole along with the bamboo shoots and cuttlefish. Wrap the Codonopsis pilosula, jujube, and peanuts in cheesecloth, and similarly wrap the peppercorns and spices. Wrap the remaining nine medicinal herbs in cheesecloth and add all three bundles to the casserole. Add water (50 grams), scallion, ginger, garlic, and soy sauce. Bring the casserole to a boil over high heat, skimming off any scum that rises to the surface. Add salt and cooking wine, then reduce the heat to low and simmer until the ingredients are tender and cooked through, approximately 1.5 hours.
2. Remove the seasoning and medicinal herb bundles from the casserole. Unwrap the Codonopsis pilosula, peanuts, and jujube, and stir them back into the soup. Discard the remaining medicinal herbs, seasonings, scallion, and ginger. Adjust the flavor with MSG and sesame oil to taste, and serve in a purple sand pot.
3. The key to success lies in the stewing method and the use of a casserole. Careful heat control is essential, and the pot should be covered during stewing. Ensure that all main ingredients are fresh, not frozen, and thoroughly cleaned. This dish can be prepared in large batches and stored in individual purple sand pots for reheating and serving as needed.