Chinese Yam, Goji, Snow Fungus and Sea Cucumber Soup (Huai-Qi Sea Cucumber Soup)

Why people make this soup

Gelatin-rich foods like sea cucumber, fish maw, snow fungus and black fungus are valued in Chinese food tradition for the polysaccharides they contain, which cooks associate with supporting the body. As an everyday nourishing dish, sea cucumber and snow fungus are double-boiled with Chinese yam and goji berries — a combination traditionally regarded as nourishing yin, supporting the kidneys and strengthening the spleen and qi. It’s a gentle, fortifying soup the whole family can share, and a classic choice for those recovering from illness or surgery.

Method

1. Soak the Chinese yam, goji, snow fungus and tangerine peel until soft; trim the stems from the snow fungus.
2. Cut the sea cucumber into pieces and blanch it together with the lean pork.
3. Place everything in a stewing vessel, pour in boiling water, and double-boil about 3 hours.
4. Serve, eating the soup and the ingredients together.

Nourilo’s Tips

This soup is gentle and strengthening, suitable for the whole family, and especially well suited to people who are recovering from illness or surgery.