Simple Chicken & Bottle Gourd Soup
A light, hydrating, and high-protein soup featuring tender chicken and delicate bottle gourd in a savory broth, perfect for a sensitive stomach or a nourishing meal.
For 4 servings
Prepare the ingredients: Dice the chicken breast into 1-inch (2.5 cm) cubes. Peel the bottle gourd, remove any large seeds if present, and dice it into similar-sized cubes. Grate the fresh ginger and mince the garlic cloves.
Sauté aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the grated ginger and minced garlic, and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn them.
Add broth and bay leaf: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and add the bay leaf. Bring the broth to a gentle simmer.
Poach chicken: Add the diced chicken breast to the simmering broth. Cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface for a clearer broth.
Add bottle gourd: Stir in the diced bottle gourd. Continue to simmer for another 10-12 minutes, or until the bottle gourd is tender but still holds its shape.
Season the soup: Remove and discard the bay leaf. Season the soup with sea salt and freshly ground white pepper to taste. Adjust seasonings as needed.
Serve: Ladle the hot soup into individual bowls. Garnish generously with fresh chopped cilantro before serving.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Don't Overcook: Both chicken breast and bottle gourd can become tough or mushy if overcooked. Cook until just tender to maintain their best texture.
- 2Skim for Clarity: Skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface during cooking for a clearer, cleaner, and more appealing broth.
- 3Gourd Selection: Choose a bottle gourd that is firm, smooth, and free of blemishes. Smaller gourds tend to be more tender and have fewer seeds.
- 4Broth Quality: Using a good quality, low-sodium chicken broth will significantly enhance the soup's flavor without adding excessive salt.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian Option
Replace chicken with firm tofu cubes or chickpeas, and use vegetable broth for a delicious vegetarian version.
Added VegetablesAdded Vegetables
Incorporate other quick-cooking vegetables like spinach, frozen peas, or thinly sliced carrots during the last 5 minutes of cooking for extra nutrients and color.
Spice BoostSpice Boost
For those who prefer a little heat, add a pinch of red chili flakes or a thinly sliced green chili along with the ginger and garlic.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Hydration
Bottle gourd is over 90% water, making this soup an excellent choice for maintaining hydration and supporting electrolyte balance, especially when feeling unwell.
Supports Digestive Health
Ginger is known for its digestive properties, while bottle gourd's natural fiber content aids in healthy digestion, making this soup gentle on sensitive stomachs.
Lean Protein Source
Chicken breast provides a high-quality, lean protein essential for muscle repair, satiety, and overall body function, without contributing excess fat.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can use bone-in chicken pieces, but you may need to cook them longer until tender (around 20-25 minutes). Once cooked, you can debone and shred the meat before adding it back to the soup.
