Codonopsis, Chinese Yam and Chestnut Pork-Rib Soup

Why people make this soup

Chronic tiredness is a very common city-dweller’s complaint — no obvious illness, yet you tire and feel sleepy easily and can’t concentrate. Nourilo’s view is that the first thing to do is steady your qi and blood; when those are abundant, that worn-out feeling tends to lift. This soup is traditionally used to support the spleen, qi, kidneys and blood, and is associated with helping people with spleen-and-stomach qi deficiency and chronic tiredness.

Method

1. Blanch the pork ribs to remove scum.
2. Peel the chestnuts; rinse and soak the yam, codonopsis and red dates.
3. Combine everything in a pot with 2.4 L of water and simmer about 2 hours down to 1.2 L. Drink the soup and eat the solids.

Nourilo’s Tips

This soup has a mild, not-too-medicinal taste and also suits people who are anemic, pale, or weak with deficient qi and blood after childbirth or surgery. If you can’t find fresh chestnuts, you can use about 38 g dried chestnuts instead; you can also use fresh chicken in place of the pork ribs.