KUALA LUMPUR, May 9 — Sometimes the most satisfying dishes are made using the simplest ingredients. 

The ingredients for this soup come from humble backgrounds, and are easily available to everyone — rich or poor. 

Black pepper, spring chicken and water; you can’t get any more basic than that. This combination of ingredients provides you with a nutritious soup that has healing properties as well. 

Whole black peppercorns are used in this dish. One interesting fact about pepper that you might not know is that black, white and green peppercorns actually come from the same vine! 

Their difference stems from different harvesting times, much like grapes. Black peppercorns are usually left on the vine to fully mature, allowing them to develop a stronger flavour profile which is why dishes they flavour are usually intense. 

Pepper has always been an ingredient associated with good health, and here’s why that claim is true: 

They contain a number of minerals such as zinc, magnesium, iron and potassium. Potassium, for one, is an important component of the cell and body fluids that help control the heart rate and blood pressure. 

Peppercorns are also rich sources of antioxidant vitamins, such as vitamin C and vitamin A. They are also rich in flavonoid polyphenotic antioxidants like carotenes and lycopene. These compounds help our body remove harmful free-radicals and protect against cancer and other diseases. 

Peppercorns are available year round in the store, and I always recommend buying whole peppercorns. Powdered ones are not advisable as they may contain adulterated spice powders.  

The peppercorns should be wholesome, round, heavy and compact. You can store them at room temperature for many years, milling them using a hand mill as and when required. 

Or you can also powder them and store them in the fridge, in an airtight container. This will be good for up to a month.

Together with the spring chicken, which is guaranteed to be tender and flavourful, the peppercorns will definitely give you soup steeped in nutrition and strong flavours. Just the perfect nourishment for you and your loved ones.

Black pepper chicken soup

Preparation time:  Less than 10 minutes

Cooking time: 3 hours

Serves: 6 -8

1 whole organic spring chicken

1.5 litres water

handful of black peppercorns

salt —  adjust according to taste

1. Add chicken, water and black peppercorns to a large pot. 

2. Heat pot and simmer over low heat for 3- 3.5 hours, with the lid covered.

3. Season soup with salt.

4. Serve soup hot.