Codonopsis, Longan and Eel Soup

Why people make this soup

Some people bruise easily — faint reddish or purplish patches appear under the skin without any knock, sometimes scattered like grains, sometimes merging into blotches. In traditional thinking this is linked to the spleen failing to “hold” the blood. Nourilo’s codonopsis, longan and eel soup is a warming, qi-and-blood tonic traditionally taken to strengthen the spleen, boost qi and guide the blood back to its channels — which is why people use it for that pale, recurring, slow-to-settle pattern.

Method

1. Debone and gut the eel, rinse, blanch briefly in boiling water, lift out and rub off the slime; pan-fry lightly in a little oil until fragrant.
2. Rinse the remaining ingredients.
3. Put everything in a pot with 2.4 L of water and simmer 2 hours, down to 0.9–1.2 L. Serve.

Nourilo’s Tips

The whole family can drink this soup — it is traditionally taken to nourish qi and blood and is also valued by those with anemia. If you cannot find rice-field eel, catfish (tang shi) makes a good substitute.