American Ginseng, Goji & Lily Bulb Lean Pork Soup

Why people make this soup

After surgery, chemotherapy or radiation, many people feel drained — poor appetite, thinning frame, low energy. In Chinese food tradition the answer is something gentle that supports the spleen and qi and brings back moisture. This light soup of American ginseng, goji berries and lily bulb is a long-loved choice for exactly that: a soothing bowl for the weak, tired days of recovery, made to be easy on the stomach.

Method

1. Blanch the lean pork; rinse the goji berries and lily bulb.
2. Put the pork and goji berries in a pot with 1.5 L of water and simmer about 30 minutes.
3. Add the lily bulb and cook 10 minutes more.
4. Finally add the American ginseng slices, turn off the heat, and let it steep, covered, for a few minutes before serving.

Nourilo’s Tips

American ginseng contains volatile oils, so it is best sliced thin and added only after the soup is cooked, off the heat. This soup is light and moistening, and also helps people who feel weak after illness, with low energy, night sweats or a restless, agitated feeling.