In Chinese culture, noodles symbolize longevity and are often served at New Year celebrations and traditionally left very long.

　　

Ingredients

Makes about 8 cups

　　a 3 1/2- to 4-pound chicken

　　8 thin slices fresh gingerroot

　　1 bunch scallions, cut crosswise into thirds

　　10 cups water

　　3/4 cup Chinese rice wine or medium-dry Sherry

　　2 ounces dried rice-stick noodles (rice vermicelli)

　　1/2 pound fresh spinach, coarse stems discarded and leaves washed, drained, and chopped coarse (about 4 packed cups)

　　3/4 cup thinly sliced fresh garlic chives or regular fresh chives

　　

Step 1

With a cleaver or heavy chef's knife cut chicken into large pieces. Cut chicken through bones into 2-inch pieces. In a large kettle of boiling water blanch chicken 1 minute. In a colander drain chicken and rinse under cold water.

　　

Step 2

With flat side of cleaver or knife lightly smash gingerroot and scallions. In cleaned kettle bring 10 cups water to a boil with chicken, gingerroot, scallions, rice wine or Sherry and simmer, uncovered, skimming froth occasionally, 2 hours. Pour broth through colander lined with triple thickness of cheesecloth into a large heatproof bowl, reserving chicken for another use. Broth may be made 3 days ahead, cooled completely, uncovered, and chilled, covered.

　　

Step 3

In cleaned kettle bring broth to a boil. Add noodles and boil, stirring occasionally, 2 minutes. Stir in spinach and simmer, stirring once or twice, until spinach turns bright green and is just tender, about 3 minutes. Stir in chives and salt and pepper to taste and simmer 1 minute.