Samgyetang (삼계탕), or ginseng chicken soup, is a popular and restorative Korean dish. It’s known as a nourishing health food, particularly a favorite during the hot summer months.
What is it?
Samgyetang is a soup made with a whole young chicken (often a Cornish hen or poussin), which is stuffed with glutinous rice, garlic, and ginseng, and then simmered in a clear, flavorful broth. Other ingredients like jujube (dried red dates) and chestnuts are often added to enhance the flavor and medicinal properties of the dish.
The name itself is a blend of Korean words:
- Sam (삼): Refers to insam (인삼), or ginseng.
- Gye (계): Refers to dak (닭), or chicken.
- Tang (탕): Means soup.
Why is it Eaten in Summer?
This might seem counterintuitive, but Samgyetang is most famously eaten on the three hottest days of the year in Korea, known as Sambok (삼복) days. This tradition is based on the Korean concept of “yi yeol chi yeol” (이열치열), which translates to “fight heat with heat.”
The belief is that eating a hot, nutritious soup like Samgyetang on a sweltering day helps to raise your body temperature, which in turn causes you to sweat more. This sweating is thought to cool the body down and help restore the energy and nutrients lost from the intense heat.
Ingredients and Benefits
Each ingredient in Samgyetang is chosen for its believed health benefits:
- Young Chicken: Provides a rich source of protein.
- Ginseng: The star ingredient, it is a powerful adaptogen believed to boost energy, improve physical and mental vitality, and enhance the immune system.
- Garlic: Known for its anti-inflammatory and health-boosting properties.
- Jujube: Adds a subtle sweetness to the soup and is said to aid in blood circulation.
- Glutinous Rice: Stuffed inside the chicken, it soaks up the broth and helps thicken the soup, making it a hearty and filling meal.
When served, the soup is often still bubbling in its earthenware bowl. It’s usually enjoyed with a side of salt and pepper for seasoning, along with traditional Korean side dishes like kimchi.