I “Heart” Soup
So, I recently invested in an Instant Pot. My first thoughts were, "There needs to be classes on how to use this thing!" Thank goodness for the internet to have access to other peoples successes and errors in figuring this thing out. While I was initially researching, I resorted to the use of the "slow cook" option on it, which itself required some research! I had some organic chicken hearts in the freezer, and I decided to make some Heart Soup.
Intant Pot Tip…One thing I’ve learned, is that to effectively use the slow cook option, I needed to put it on high heat and cook for longer than in my Crock Pot. The two main things that have made the slow cook a different experience in the Instant Pot that I have discovered thus far, are that my house smells quite a bit milder, and it's easier to clean. Little extra motivation for ya!
This soup inspiration can be done in any slow cooker.
I made it so it was a hearty, a more dense soup, stew-like, with all of the ingredients to broth ratio. I had this slow cooking for nearly 15 hours. With the long slow cook, the heart meat becomes tender and more mild. In the soup/stew the chicken hearts are like fun little meatballs!
Ingredients: I am not one to measure, so all of these are to taste. I combined the following for the slow cook.
Organic Chicken Hearts
Organic Chicken Bone Broth
Organic Tomatoes (I used a good quality canned one)
Organic Potatoes (I used some red potatoes, white would be nice too) Potatoes are so delicious slow cooked as they soak up all the juices!
Cumin
Cumin Seeds
Bay Leaves
Salt (I used a Himalayan rock salt for that particular flavor)
Chiles (I used 3 Birds eye dried chiles for a little kick!)
Oregano
Kombu (The California and island girl in me tends to add this whenever! It creates a nice flavor and helps with any gassy ingredients)
To be added in once done: (then they cook more when reheated and don't end up overcooked)
Organic Corn (I used a bag of frozen)
Organic Collard Greens and Broccoli - and/or any veg you like
Organic Black Beans - I didn't add this in, but wish that I had. Onions also were another after thought, which I would have added in the slow cook portion.
And, just as a reminder, from the "I Heart Taco's” Inspiration…
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, consuming an animal's organ is believed to nourish the corresponding organ in the body. Thus, eating heart meat is thought to support the health of your own heart by providing essential nutrients that nourish its function; including boosting blood circulation and promoting overall heart health. In TCM, the heart organ system is likened to an “enlightened, benevolent ruler of a kingdom” responsible for the circulation and regulation of the flow of qi and blood, as well as spiritual and mental activities. A healthy heart in TCM is associated with emotional stability, so eating heart meat can also be seen as a way to support mental clarity and emotional balance.
Heart meat is rich in vitamins like B2, B6 and B12, which have a cardio protective effect, iron, zinc, selenium, and Coenzyme Q10, taurine, and omega 3’s, which are important for heart health and help protect against heart disease.