Shiitake, Wood Ear and Burdock Soup

Why people make this soup

High blood pressure and high blood sugar are common in city life, and Nourilo has watched many older friends manage one or both — long-term medication, strict diet, the works. This soup leans on four everyday foods — shiitake, black wood ear, burdock and goji — that are tasty, nourishing, and traditionally associated with supporting healthy blood pressure and blood sugar. It is meant as gentle, preventive, everyday support, not a replacement for care.

Method

1. Soak the shiitake and wood ear, then remove the stems.
2. Peel the burdock and cut into sections.
3. Rinse the goji; blanch the lean pork.
4. Place all ingredients in a pot with 2.4 L of water.
5. Simmer for about 2 hours down to about 1.2 L. Serve the soup and ingredients together.

Nourilo’s Tips

Thin, slender burdock roots are more fragrant and can be scrubbed and cooked with the skin on. This soup is tasty enough for the whole family and, taken regularly, is traditionally seen as gentle support for blood sugar, blood pressure and stroke prevention. If your constitution runs cold, add a couple of ginger slices or some figs.