Dried Ginkgo Nut Stewed with Old Duck

Dried Ginkgo Nut Stewed with Old Duck

　　Dried Ginkgo Nut Stewed with Old Duck is a traditional nourishing dish from Guilin and also a signature dish in local restaurants. The Lingchuan area is rich in ginkgo nuts, which are used as the main ingredient in this dish. The old duck is cut into pieces and gently simmered over low heat. The dish is characterized by its slightly bitter broth, fragrant ginkgo flavor, sweet meat, rich nutrition, and suitability for all seasons. Ginkgo nuts are cooling in nature, while old duck helps clear internal heat. Therefore, Dried Ginkgo Nut Stewed with Old Duck is not only a delicious dish but also an excellent tonic that nourishes the internal organs, stimulates appetite, promotes saliva production, soothes coughs, clears phlegm, and benefits lung qi.

　　A traditional nourishing dish made with Guilin’s specialty dried ginkgo nuts, diced old duck, ham slices, and various seasonings. All ingredients are placed in a stewing pot and steamed in a bamboo basket. The dish features tender and fragrant duck meat, smooth and delicate ginkgo nuts, a clear yet flavorful broth, and offers nourishing, saliva-promoting, lung-moistening, and qi-benefiting effects. (Guilin)

　　Cooking Method

　　(1) Remove the outer shell of the ginkgo nuts, boil them in water for a few minutes, then take them out, peel off the red skins, and remove the inner green sprouts (note: the green sprouts are toxic). Set aside.

　　(2) Cut the old duck into pieces, blanch them with ginger slices and scallion bundles, then place them in a clay pot along with the ginkgo nuts. Add a few ginger slices, scallion bundles, a small piece of dried tangerine peel, an appropriate amount of water, bring to a boil over high heat, then simmer over low heat for four hours. Season before serving.