Summary of this recipe's key points: This gentle soup provides a good supply of protein and minerals by simmering seasonal asparagus and low-fat chicken tenderloin in bone broth. It's a dish that can be made in a short time and is soothing for coldness and fatigue. It's recommended to keep the salt light and make the most of the ingredients' natural flavors.

About This Recipe

The changing seasons can make us tired and our digestion can be easily disrupted. So, we created a gentle soup that soothes a tired body. This dish, combining vitamins and fiber from asparagus, collagen and minerals from bone broth, and high-quality protein from chicken tenderloin, is perfect for breakfast, supper, or when you're feeling a bit under the weather. When we actually made it, it was easier than we thought, and the natural flavors of the ingredients alone were satisfying.

Ingredients (Serves 2)

  • Asparagus: 8 stalks (thin ones)
  • Chicken tenderloin: 2 pieces (approx. 150g)
  • Long green onion: approx. 50g (sliced diagonally)
  • Parsley: a little (for garnish / minced)
  • Ginger: 1 slice (thinly sliced)
  • Sea salt: 1/3 tsp ~ (adjust to taste)
  • Bone broth (store-bought or homemade): 200ml (approx. 1 cup)
  • Water: 400ml (for boiling chicken tenderloin, use the broth for the soup)
  • Black pepper (optional): a little

Instructions

  1. Peel the tough skin from the base of the asparagus with a peeler and cut into easy-to-eat lengths (diagonal slices of about 2cm are recommended).
  2. In a pot, add 400ml of water and thinly sliced ginger, bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and gently add the chicken tenderloin. Once it boils again, turn off the heat, cover, and let it sit for 5-8 minutes to cook through with residual heat.
  3. Remove the chicken tenderloin, and once it has cooled slightly, shred it finely by hand (or with a fork). Strain the cooking liquid through a sieve and reserve about 400ml.
  4. In another pot, combine 200ml of bone broth and the reserved chicken tenderloin broth, and heat over medium heat. Once warm, add the asparagus and simmer for 2-4 minutes until tender (adjust time based on asparagus thickness).
  5. Once the asparagus reaches your desired tenderness, add the shredded chicken tenderloin and long green onion, and warm lightly. Season with sea salt to taste, then serve in bowls.
  6. Finally, sprinkle with minced parsley and black pepper if desired, and it's ready.

Nutrition & Health Benefits

Asparagus contains vitamins A, C, and K, folic acid, iron, and dietary fiber, supporting gut health and metabolism. Bone broth is rich in collagen, amino acids like glycine, and minerals, making it a gentle soup base even when digestion is sluggish. Chicken tenderloin is low in fat and high in protein, aiding muscle recovery and immune maintenance. Ginger warms the body and promotes circulation, while the aromatic compounds in long green onions aid digestion. Keeping the salt low and utilizing the natural flavors of the ingredients results in a healthier dish.

Arrangement Tips

  • If you don't have bone broth, you can substitute with kombu dashi + chicken stock. If using store-bought bouillon, reduce the salt content.
  • If you add a beaten egg, it becomes a gentle zosui-style dish. Pour in the beaten egg and turn off the heat for a fluffy finish.
  • Adding mushrooms (shimeji, eringi) enhances the umami and texture. Briefly sauté them before adding to the soup.
  • If you want it creamy, add a small amount of low-fat soy milk at the end for a milder flavor (do not boil).
  • Using chicken thigh meat adds richness, but the calorie count will be slightly higher.

Summary

This easy-to-make and body-friendly "Asparagus and Chicken Soup" is a dish that's easy to eat when you're tired or have a low appetite. We've made it several times ourselves, and the natural flavors of the ingredients were more satisfying than we expected. By keeping the salt light and valuing the umami of the bone broth and cooking liquid, you'll get a soup that truly comforts the body. Please try it with seasonal asparagus.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.