Black Chicken with Angelica Sinensis Soup 当归黑鸡炖汤

My recently blood test came back and my health condition would be perfect if not for that little star-mark showing I'm an Anaemic with a slightly low blood pressure. Other than that, my doctor said my bone marrow is producing smaller than normal red blood cells which might be the cause of my constant giddy spells.

My husband joked that lucky I have 2 kids at home to help increase my blood pressure. Otherwise, it might be even lower. ^_^"

Since I didn't want to do a blood count or a another blood test (later I faint,how? :P) now, Doc gave me iron pills though he said it could be deficiency in Vitamin B12 or Folic Acid instead. On top of that, I'm having this soup once a week too; till my next blood test in 2 months time.

It's commonly known that Angelica Sinensis 当归 (DangGui) treats fatigue and anaemia. But it's not a miracle herb. Don't expected to be treated with just a dose. You have to take it regularly over a period of time. Otherwise, just make this to enjoy the taste. If you get a better grade Angelica Sinensis 当归 (DangGui), it's sweet. The cheaper and lower grade ones may have a bitter taste.


Ingredients:

• 1 Black Chicken, washed and cleaned
• Approxiately 27g Angelica Sinensis 当归(DangGui)
• 15g Wolfberries 枸杞子(GouQiZi)
• 6 Black Dates 黑枣 (HeiZao）
• 2 litre Water
• 1/2 tablespoon Chinese Cooking Wine (optional)
• Salt to taste

How to do it:

1. Blanch chicken.
2. Place all ingredients except wine and salt in a pot.
3. Bring to a boil.
4. Reduce to a simmer and continue cooking for 3 hours.
5. Add wine and salt to taste.
6. Serve immediately.

Note:
A better way to cook this will be double-boiling which ensure the essences from all the ingredients are not loss through cooking but it will take much longer to cook. Expect at least 5 hours! And you have to keep check on the water.

• Click HERE for printer-friendly version of an original recipe.

Clockwise from top left:
当归 Angelica Sinensis, 枸杞子 Wolfberries, 黑枣 Black Dates