Dried scallop & winter melon soup

The combination of winter melon and water chestnut makes this high in fibre, good for cleaning out the intestines and also in soothing sore throats.

Ingredients (serves 4):
600g winter melon
20g dried scallop
150g chicken meat
4 Chinese dried mushrooms, soaked in water until soft
50g carrot
4 water chestnuts
3 tbsp green peas
6 bowls stock

Method:
1. Soak dried scallop in half a bowl of water until soft.
2. Cut chicken meat into small cubes and season with 1/2 tsp cornflour.
3. Cut winter melon into cubes.
4. Pour stock into a pot. Add dried scallop, winter melon, water chestnut and mushrooms, and boil over low heat for about 45 minutes.
5. Add chicken and carrots and parboil for another 10 minutes. Add the peas and salt to taste.

Recipe source: Simply Her magazine (Aug 2006)

Chicken flavoured rice

Ingredients (serves 4):
1 small chicken, skinned and cut into bite-sizes
1 tbsp oyster sauce
1 water chestnut, peeled and sliced
6 dried mushrooms, soaked and sliced
salt and pepper to taste
2 cups fragrant rice

Method:
1. Mix chopped chicken pieces with all ingredients except the rice. Leave to marinate.
2. Wash rice until water runs clear and drain. Add 2 cups water and start the rice cooker.
3. When the water has reduced to rice level, carefully add chicken pieces on top of rice.
4. Finish cooking the rice and leave covered for at least 10 minutes. Serve hot.

Recipe source: Today newspaper