Old Cucumber Soup Recipe: Soul-Warming & Delicious

Hey guys! Nothing beats a delicious soup to warm you up, right? Today, I want to share my absolute favorite: Old Cucumber Soup and Corn Chicken Soup. Seriously, I could have this every single day – it's just that comforting and yummy! 🤤❤️ And this isn't your average soup; it's got some secret ingredients that take it to the next level. We're talking dried cuttlefish, scallops, and oysters! Trust me, they add an amazing depth of flavor.

Why This Old Cucumber Soup and Corn Chicken Soup is the BEST

Old cucumber soup and corn chicken soup is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. It's the perfect way to nourish your body while enjoying a hearty and flavorful meal. The combination of old cucumber, sweet corn, and chicken creates a symphony of flavors that dance on your taste buds. Let's dive into what makes this soup so special and why you should definitely try making it at home.

The Magic of Old Cucumber

Have you ever used old cucumber in your cooking? If not, you're in for a treat! Old cucumbers, which are simply cucumbers that have matured and turned yellow, have a unique flavor profile. They're slightly sweet, slightly tangy, and have a wonderfully tender texture when cooked. This versatile ingredient adds a depth of flavor to the soup that you just can't get with regular cucumbers. Plus, they're packed with vitamins and antioxidants, making this soup a healthy choice too. When simmered in a broth, the old cucumber releases its subtle sweetness and a hint of refreshing tartness, creating a complex and satisfying flavor base. It also contributes a unique texture, becoming incredibly tender and almost melting into the broth. Its mild flavor profile acts as a wonderful canvas for the other ingredients in the soup, allowing them to shine while still contributing its own distinct character. This balance of flavors is what makes old cucumber such a prized ingredient in Cantonese cuisine, where it's often used in soups and stews for its nutritional benefits and delicious taste.

Sweet Corn's Golden Touch

Next up, we have sweet corn, the golden kernels of sunshine that bring a touch of sweetness and cheerfulness to the soup. The sweetness of the corn complements the savory flavors of the chicken and other ingredients perfectly. Corn also provides a wonderful texture, adding a satisfying bite to each spoonful. Beyond its flavor and texture contributions, corn is also a powerhouse of nutrients. It's a good source of fiber, which aids in digestion and promotes gut health, and it's also rich in vitamins and minerals. The natural sweetness of corn reduces the need for added sugars, making this a healthy and guilt-free indulgence. Its vibrant color also adds visual appeal to the soup, making it even more enticing. The combination of the corn's natural sweetness, its satisfying texture, and its nutritional value makes it an indispensable ingredient in this comforting and nourishing soup.

The Power of Chicken

Of course, we can't forget about the chicken! This lean protein not only adds a hearty flavor to the soup but also makes it a complete and satisfying meal. Chicken is a great source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body. It also contains essential vitamins and minerals, such as niacin and selenium, which play important roles in overall health. When simmered slowly, the chicken becomes incredibly tender and releases its savory flavor into the broth, creating a rich and flavorful base for the soup. Using bone-in chicken pieces adds even more flavor and nutrients to the soup, as the bones release collagen and other beneficial compounds during the cooking process. The chicken not only provides a satisfying protein element but also contributes to the overall depth of flavor and nutritional value of this comforting soup.

The Secret Weapon: Dried Seafood

Now, for the secret ingredients that really elevate this soup: dried cuttlefish, scallops, and oysters! These dried seafood treasures add a depth of umami flavor that you just won't find anywhere else. Don't be intimidated by them; they're easy to use and add a ton of flavor. Dried cuttlefish brings a unique chewy texture and a subtle seafood sweetness. Scallops offer a delicate, briny flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully. And the dried oysters? They add a rich, almost smoky flavor that's simply irresistible. Together, these dried seafood ingredients create a symphony of flavors that transform this soup from ordinary to extraordinary. They not only enhance the taste but also contribute essential minerals and nutrients, making this soup a truly nourishing and flavorful experience.

How to Make This Soul-Warming Soup: A Step-by-Step Guide

Okay, so now that I've convinced you how amazing this soup is, let's get to the nitty-gritty: how to actually make it! Don't worry, it's easier than you might think. The key is to let the flavors develop slowly, so simmering is your best friend here.

Gathering Your Ingredients

First things first, you'll need to gather your ingredients. Here's what you'll need:

• 1 large old cucumber, peeled, seeded, and chopped
• 2 ears of sweet corn, cut into sections
• 500g chicken pieces (bone-in is best for flavor)
• 3-4 pieces of dried cuttlefish, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes
• 10-12 dried scallops, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes
• 6-8 dried oysters, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes
• 8-10 cups of water
• Salt to taste

The Cooking Process

1. Prep the Ingredients: Start by prepping your ingredients. This means peeling, seeding, and chopping the old cucumber, cutting the corn into sections, and soaking the dried seafood. Soaking the dried seafood is crucial as it helps to rehydrate them, soften their texture, and release their flavorful essence into the soup. Make sure to soak them for at least 30 minutes, or even longer if you have the time. The soaking water can also be added to the soup for extra flavor, but be sure to strain it first to remove any impurities.
2. Blanch the Chicken: Blanching the chicken is an important step as it helps to remove any impurities and gives you a cleaner-tasting broth. Bring a pot of water to a boil and add the chicken pieces. Let them simmer for a few minutes, then remove and rinse under cold water. This step ensures that your soup will have a clear and flavorful broth, free from any unwanted scum or impurities. It also helps to partially cook the chicken, which will shorten the simmering time later on.
3. Combine Everything: In a large pot or soup cooker, combine the blanched chicken, chopped old cucumber, corn sections, soaked dried cuttlefish, scallops, and oysters. Add 8-10 cups of water, making sure the ingredients are fully submerged. The amount of water you use will depend on the size of your pot and your desired soup consistency. You can always add more water later if needed.
4. Simmer, Simmer, Simmer: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for at least 2-3 hours. This slow simmering process is the key to extracting the flavors from the ingredients and creating a rich and flavorful broth. The longer you simmer, the more intense the flavors will become. During this time, the old cucumber will soften and release its sweetness, the corn will impart its golden flavor, and the dried seafood will infuse the soup with its umami essence. The chicken will also become incredibly tender and succulent. So, be patient and let the soup work its magic!
5. Season and Serve: After simmering, season the soup with salt to taste. Give it a good stir and taste to ensure the seasoning is just right. You can also add other seasonings if you like, such as white pepper or a touch of soy sauce, but salt is usually all you need. Once seasoned, your soup is ready to serve! Ladle it into bowls and enjoy the comforting warmth and delicious flavors. This soup is best enjoyed hot, so serve it immediately after simmering. You can also garnish it with some chopped cilantro or green onions for added freshness and visual appeal.

Variations and Tips for the Perfect Soup

Want to make this soup your own? Here are a few variations and tips to help you create the perfect bowl:

• Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, dried dates, or Chinese almonds for added flavor and nutrients.
• Use different proteins: Pork ribs or chicken feet are also great additions to this soup.
• Adjust the amount of dried seafood: If you're not a huge fan of dried seafood, you can reduce the amount or leave out certain ingredients altogether.
• Use a slow cooker: For an even easier method, you can make this soup in a slow cooker. Just combine all the ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
• Skim off any scum: During the simmering process, you may notice some scum forming on the surface of the soup. Use a ladle to skim it off for a clearer broth.

Health Benefits of Old Cucumber and Corn Chicken Soup

Besides being incredibly delicious, this soup is also packed with health benefits! Here's a quick rundown:

• Hydration: Soup is a great way to stay hydrated, especially during colder months.
• Nutrients: This soup is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants from the vegetables, chicken, and dried seafood.
• Protein: Chicken provides essential protein for building and repairing tissues.
• Collagen: Simmering bone-in chicken helps release collagen, which is beneficial for skin, joints, and gut health.
• Comfort: Let's be honest, a warm bowl of soup is just plain comforting! It can help soothe a sore throat, ease congestion, and boost your mood.

Final Thoughts: Soup is the Answer!

So, there you have it: my recipe for Old Cucumber Soup and Corn Chicken Soup. I hope you give it a try – I promise you won't be disappointed! It's the perfect way to warm your soul, nourish your body, and enjoy a delicious and comforting meal. Let me know in the comments if you try it and how it turns out! Happy cooking, guys! ❤️