Cordyceps Flower Spore, Sea Solomon's Seal and Lean Pork Soup

Why people make this soup

Cordyceps flower is an edible fungus whose nourishment is concentrated in the head, so the spore heads are especially prized — Nourilo calls them “an everyday person’s tonic,” traditionally used to support the lungs and kidneys and ease nasal and airway sensitivity. Here he pairs them with sea Solomon’s seal, traditionally used to nourish yin and moisten the lungs, plus goji and red dates, for a tasty, nourishing pork soup that’s good for guarding against autumn dryness.

Method

1. Rinse and soak the ingredients separately; remove the base from the snow fungus; pit the red dates.
2. Slice the lean pork thick and blanch.
3. Simmer everything in 2.4 L of water for about 1.5 hours, reducing to 1.2 L. Serve.

Nourilo’s Tips

This soup is fragrant and sweet, fine for young and old, and traditionally regarded as helpful for rough skin and a dull complexion. But anyone with an active cold and fever should not drink it.