Dang Shen Chicken

Slow cooker has been my good friend since life gets busier with the kiddos. I have learnt to cut down my time in the kitchen and let technology do the work for me. Well, in this case, it is a very old technology but it is still one of the best helpers in the kitchen.

This week, I would like to share with you a herbal chicken which is very easy to prepare and nutritious too.

THIS WEEK's SPECIAL:

Herbal chicken (Dang shen, red dates and goji berries)

From the top: Dang shen, red dates and goji berries

Herbal chicken

Ingredients: Chicken (any parts), dang shen, red dates, goji berries, salt, water.

1. Wash all the ingredients and put them in the slow cooker. Use minimal amount of water. I usually cook two chicken legs and I use 80ml of water.

2. Turn to high heat and cook for 40 minutes and then reduce to low and cook for another 90 minutes. If you won't be attending it, just use the auto function and cook for 4 hours.

3. You can serve it with rice or noodles or enjoy it on its own.

Note: Some of the benefits of the ingredients used for this dish

Dang shen is generally used in traditional Chinese medicine to improve "energy" and blood circulation.
Goji berry or wolf berry is believed to be high in anti-oxidant and good for the eyes.
Red date is also known to be good for replenishing blood (that is why Chinese mothers would drink red date beverages throughout their confinement period). It is also high in anti-oxidant, which is good for the skin.

Its health benefits are similar to that of Ginseng. It is sold at a more affordable price, thus it is also known as the 'poor man's Ginseng'. Dang Shen is commonly used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to correct 'Qi' (气) deficiency and improve blood circulation to revitalise the body

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