Basil Chicken

serves 4

This chicken dish reinforces the functions of the liver and the kidneys and nourishes the skin, rendering it soft and shiny. It also stimulates circulation of the blood and alleviates internal ear problems, including dizziness, tinnitus, and minor hearing problems. This recipe calls for chicken drumsticks, but chicken breast or other chicken meat may be used if preferred.

1 pound (500 grams) chicken drumsticks

5 garlic cloves, peeled and split lengthwise

¼ cup (60 milliliters) black sesame oil

5 slices ginger

1/3 cup (90 milliliters) cooking wine

¼ cup (60 milliliters) soy sauce

1 tablespoon (15 grams) sugar

½ cup (100 grams) packed fresh basil leaves

Using a meat cleaver chop each drumstick in half, through the bone. Set the drumstick halves aside. Heat the sesame oil in a medium saucepan. When the oil is hot, drop in the garlic and ginger and stir for 10 seconds. Then add the chicken. Stir-fry for 2 minutes over high heat. Add the wine, soy sauce, and sugar, reduce the heat, and simmer over a low flame for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the basil leaves. Simmer for 1 more minute and serve.

hancheng

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