Low fat chicken soup with fresh chinese yam and arrowroot

This low fat chicken soup is so because lean chicken breast meat is used. No cream, no butter, no oil, no other animal fats. Arrowroot and chinese yam provides complex carbohydrates and will help keep you full much longer. People tend to avoid all carbohydrates when they are dieting.

The theory is that the body will burn fats if there are no carbohydrates to use as fuel. I do think the "experts" were referring to refined carbohydrates like white sugar and flour and etc. and not good vegetables like arrowroot and chinese yam.

I think this is a great low fat chicken soup for people concerned about weight gain because it has bulk and thus satisfies your hunger pangs.

The fresh chinese yam, carrot and arrowroot will turn soft and fall apart if the water is boiling too vigorously. Once the water boils and the boullion cubes has dissolved, lower the heat to a medium simmer.

Picture of fresh chinese yam

The bouillon cubes should have sufficient salt for the soup. However you can add salt if you think it is too bland. But be judicious as excessive salt can lead to water retention.

You can make your own soup stock if you are up to it. It tastes better but takes more time and effort.

If you cannot find fresh chinese yam or arrowroot, replace with potato. Omit the ginger if you do not like it.

2 pieces of tender chicken breasts
150g fresh chinese yam 山药 (shan yao)
300g fresh arrowroot 粉葛 (fen ge)
150g carrot
1 slice of ginger
1 stalk of coriander

2 tsp cornstarch or arrowroot starch
1 tsp of soy sauce

2 liters of water
3 bouillon cubes

1. Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces
2. Marinate with soy sauce and cornstarch
3. Peel the fresh yam and cut into bite-sized pieces
4. Peel the carrot and cut into bite-sized pieces
5. Peel the arrowroot and cut into bite-sized pieces
6. Bring the water to a boil and add the bouillon cubes. Stir to dissolve
7. Add the chinese yam, ginger, carrot, arrowroot into the stock
8. Cook for about 15 minutes and add the chicken pieces
9. Simmer on gentle low heat for about 30 minutes
10. Garnish with coriander leaves and serve

If you are using the slow cooker to simmer the soup, pour everything into a slow cooker at Step 8.

Recipe link: http://www.homemade-chinese-soups.com/low-fat-chicken-soup.html