Cordyceps Flower, Dang Gui and Teal Duck Soup

Why people make this soup

Teal duck — the small wild-type duck sometimes found at the market — is prized as a nourishing meat that does not feel “heaty,” which makes it a favorite for people who struggle with richer tonics. Nourilo double-steams it with dang gui, red dates and cordyceps flower into a soup that is traditionally said to nourish yin, support the kidneys, brighten the complexion, and help women with irregular periods.

Method

1. Clean and gut the teal duck, cut it into pieces, and blanch.
2. Rinse the cordyceps flower and dang gui; pit the red dates.
3. Place all ingredients in a double-boil stewing pot.
4. Pour in about 1.2 L of boiling water.
5. Steam (water-bath / double-boil) for about 3 hours. Serve the soup and ingredients together.

Nourilo’s Tips

This soup also suits people who feel anemic, low in spirits or frail. For double-steaming, fill the inner stewing pot with boiling water; the water in the outer pot does not have to be boiling — cold is fine.