Spring Equinox · Breakfast · Phlegm-Dampness
Seaweed and shredded chicken rice noodle soup
Savoury seaweed and light shredded chicken in a clean noodle soup, never greasy: right for a damp morning.
- 25 min
- Serves 2
- Simmer
- Easy
NeutralResolves phlegm and dampStrengthens the spleen
Why it suits you: Phlegm-damp types get phlegm, a heavy head and sluggishness in the foggy, damp equinox weather. Salty, cold seaweed resolves phlegm, shiitake strengthens the spleen, lean chicken nourishes without heaviness, and ginger and pepper warm and disperse damp.
Method
Prep 10 min · Cook 15 min- 1Bring the chicken, ginger and water to the boil, then poach on low heat for 8 minutes until cooked. Lift out and shred; keep the broth.
- 2Boil the rice noodles for 3 minutes and divide between bowls.
- 3Simmer the shiitake in the broth for 2 minutes, add the seaweed and chicken, season with salt and pepper and pour over the noodles.
Chef's tips
- Poaching keeps the chicken breast tender, and the broth becomes your soup base.
The TCM view
Laver is sweet, salty and cold, resolving phlegm, softening hardness and draining water. Chicken is sweet and warm and supports qi; shiitake strengthens the spleen; ginger and white pepper warm the middle and disperse damp.
