Peanut and Chicken Feet Soup 花生鳳爪湯

Most of my western friends will cringe just thinking about chicken feet, not to mention at the sight of it. I hope you would not be grossed out by this post.

Chicken feet is a delicacy in its own right, it is a palatable dish served at Chinese restaurants and yum cha is not complete without the steamed phoenix claws aka chicken feet.

Chicken feet contain high level of protein and collagen, which is good for the skin. I love the gelatinous tenderness that almost melts in the mouth. The soup has a delicate flavour and luxurious fullness as the collagen released gives the soup a silky body and richness.

May I present the soup of the day - Peanut and Chicken Feet Soup.


Ingredients
500g chicken feet, about 13 of them
100g raw peanuts
5 red dates, pitted
1 piece dried cuttlefish (optional)
2 litre water
Salt to taste

Method
Soak peanuts in warm water for about 30 minutes.

Clean the chicken feet by removing the outer skin layer and trimming the claw tips. Blanch the chicken feet in boiling water for about 3-5 minutes. Remove and discard water.

Place all ingredients except salt in a pot of water. Bring to boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and cook, covered, for two hours.

Add salt to taste. Dish and serve.