Nqaij Qaib Zib Ntsuag (fragrant Hmong Chicken Soup)

Nqaij Qaib Zib Ntsuag, also known as Fragrant Hmong Chicken Soup, is a traditional Hmong dish that is both comforting and flavorful. This soup is made with a rich broth, tender chicken, and aromatic herbs and spices, making it the perfect dish for a cold day or when you're feeling under the weather.

Nqaij Qaib Zib Ntsuag (fragrant Hmong Chicken Soup)

Ingredients

  • 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
  • 8 cups water
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 inches ginger, sliced
  • 2 tomatoes, quartered
  • 1 lemongrass stalk, bruised
  • 3-4 red chili peppers, sliced
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
  • 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
  • 2 tbsp fish sauce
  • 2 tbsp lime juice

Instructions

  1. In a large pot, bring the water to a boil.
  2. Add the chicken pieces, onion, garlic, ginger, tomatoes, lemongrass, and chili peppers to the pot.
  3. Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for 45-50 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
  4. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot and shred the meat using two forks.
  5. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and add salt, black pepper, cilantro, green onions, fish sauce, and lime juice. Let the soup simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
  6. Remove the lemongrass stalk from the soup before serving.

Cooking & Preparation

Preparation time:
20 minutes
Cooking time:
1 hour
Total time:
1 hour
Cooking method
Stovetop

Nutritional facts per 1 serving

Calories
250 per serving
Carbohydrates
15g
Protein
20g
Fat
10g

Supplies

Large pot Cutting board Knife Measuring spoons Measuring cups Wooden spoon

Tools

Forks

Serving suggestions

Serve the Fragrant Hmong Chicken Soup hot, garnished with extra cilantro and green onions. It pairs well with steamed white rice or crusty bread.

Tips & tricks

For a spicier soup, add more red chili peppers or leave the seeds in.

Cost

$15