Stephencooks

Chinese Chicken Noodle Soup with Star Anise, Sprouts & Ginger

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Serves 4

Ingredients

• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth, preferably homemade
• 3 star anise
• 2 stalks lemongrass, smashed with the side of a knife
• 3 cloves garlic, smashed
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed Szechuan pepper
• 1/2 medium onion, peeled and quartered
• 1'' piece of ginger, peeled and sliced
• 1/4 teaspoon black peppercorns
• 4 ounces soba noodles (substitute fettucine)
• 2 teaspoons soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons sherry
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoons rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
• 3 ounces fresh spinach or other greens, chopped
• 3 ounces fresh bean sprouts
• 1/2 pound boneless, skinless chicken, cooked, cut in bite-sized pieces
• 1 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds (optional garnish) 

Method

1. Place the broth in a large pot and add the star anise, lemongrass, garlic, Szechuan pepper, onion, ginger, and black peppercorns. Bring to a boil and cook for 10 minutes to blend the flavors. 

2. Strain the broth and return to the pot and bring to a boil. Add the pasta. Stir a minute until the pasta has softened and the strands are separated. Cook on high heat until al dente, about 8 - 10 minutes. Remove the pasta with tongs to a bowl and keep warm.

3. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the soy sauce, sherry, sesame oil and vinegar to the broth and simmer for 2 minutes. If necessary correct the seasoning with salt, fresh ground black pepper or hot sauce. 

4. Stir in the spinach and sprouts and cook on medium heat for 2 minutes, stirring. 

5. Place the chicken in a sieve and submerge briefly in the broth to warm. Remove to a side plate. 

To serve, place a knot of pasta in each serving bowl with tongs. With the tongs, add a portion of the spinach and sprouts to each dish. Spoon broth into each dish, then top with chicken pieces. If desired, garnish with toasted sesame seeds. 

Nutritional Estimate: 4 Servings. Per serving: 255 Calories; 27 g Total Carbs; 2 g Dietary Fiber; 3 g Sugars; 5 g Fat; 50 mg Cholesterol; 572 mg Sodium; 24 g Protein. Weight Watchers: 5 points.

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