Sometimes, the most satisfying dishes are made using the most simple ingredients. The ingredients of this soup come from humble backgrounds, and are ingredients easily available to everyone- rich or poor. Black pepper, spring chicken and water- you can’t go 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 their 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 is 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 powder.  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. 

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