The soup is something which I drink regularly as a teenager until I got married. I did not get to drink it as much because I no longer stay with the persons who cook this soup (my mum and my grandma/aunt)! Anyway it's because I am lazy because the soup is really easy to prepare.
About 3 months back, I cooked the soup and shared it with my mother-in-law. :) This round my mother cooked it for me. For some reason, hers' taste better and it could be because I used "black chicken" while she used the normal chicken.
For those who are wondering, this soup should be taken regularly (monthly) by girls if possible. The tonic soup will nourish the blood. It is known to reduce menstratual pains and keep cycles regular. Some fellow mothers say it's good for women trying to concieve as it "warms" the womb. Men can drink this soup but in small quantities... :)
Anyway it's quite easy to prepare. You can boil it for 2-3 hrs on stove or use a slow cooker. I do not like to keep watch on fire so I use a slow cooker.
Step 1: You can buy a pack of the herbs for the soup. I usually buy from Eu Yang Sang and wash them before use (thou EYS says no need to wash la).
Step 2: You can choose to buy meat (about 1 chicken chopped up or into halves) to make the soup. Just wash the meat then place them into the slow cooker. Place the herbs on the top of the meat and pour water to cover the herbs and meat (if any).
Step 3: Set the slow cooker on high for about 3 hrs and the soup should be done. My grandmother usually cooks the soup on stove for about 1-2hrs only. The soup is usually dark when it's done... :)
This is my mum's 爱心八珍汤 (one BIG BOWL!). Thank you mum (you're the best!).
