The Chinese yam or better known as Huai Shan is often used in the preparation of tonic or herbal soups and remedies. We often consume it in dried form and thinly sliced. However do you know that you can also buy fresh Huai Shan from the market or supermarket? Usually available in a long stick but for small family, buy just a small portion. Break it off for a smaller stick. If you are at the market, the seller will be willingly to cut for you.
It has a mildly sweet taste and starchy, potato-like texture. Huai Shan helps replenish qi and yin in the kidneys, help digestion, relieve stomach pain, alleviate diarrhoea, improve recovery after an illness, repair muscle tissue and promote muscle growth.
I always cut the ingredients in small pieces so that I cook faster & the flavour can easily release out. This way, I save my time & electricity / gas consumption.
A note to remember when cutting fresh Huai San. It will be very slippery when cut & the slimy mucous like substance from the Huai San will cause itchiness when contact to skin. However, the itchiness will be gone after an hour or so. I will usually use wear a gloves. If you don't have a glove, use plastic bag to cover your hands. Be extra cautious as it will be extremely slippery to hold. Just cut into small pieces & straight away put into the pot of hot water. No need to rinse away the slimy juice. It will dissappear when cooked.
Ingredients : (serves 2)
250g Fresh Huai San
1 medium Carrot
210g Chicken Breast Meat (skin removed)
8-10pcs Red Dates (seed removed)
25g Yu Zhu
1 tbsp Wolfberries
1.2 L Water
Salt to taste
Step by Step :
1. Carefully use a peeler to peel the skin of the fresh Huai San under running water. Careful - it will be very slippery.
2. Then slice it round shape or cut according to your preference.
3. Bring water to boil, add in all the ingredients (except salt).
4. Bring to a boil again & reduce heat and let it simmer slowly for 1 -1.5hr.
5. Salt to taste & serve hot.
Cooked with Queen's Xense Casserole Marble Coated Anodised Coating. Non stick 5 layer marble coating. Durable & Long Lasting. High heat efficiency. Easy cleaning & maintenance.
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