Codonopsis, Lamb and Longan Soup

Why people make this soup

Lamb is one of those foods that Western cooking tends to associate with strong flavours and special occasions, but in Chinese food-therapy tradition it has long been valued as a cold-weather tonic — warming, nourishing and deeply satisfying. This is a soup Nourilo reaches for in autumn and winter, particularly for those who feel perpetually cold, run pale, or lack stamina. The combination of fresh lamb, codonopsis (a gentler cousin of ginseng that is far more affordable), longan flesh and red dates creates a broth that is both heartier than a regular bone broth and more specifically targeted at restoring warmth and vitality.

Codonopsis is widely available in Chinese herb shops and some health food stores outside Asia. It has a mild, slightly sweet flavour and blends seamlessly into meat-based soups.