Lotus Root, Mung Bean, Dried Octopus and Chicken Soup

Why people make this soup

Nourilo found big, fragrant sun-dried octopus at the dried-seafood shop and could not resist — dried octopus makes an exceptionally savory, sweet broth. In food-therapy tradition, octopus is associated with nourishing the blood and supporting milk supply, and with protecting the liver and heart-and-vessel health. This particular pot is a classic for new mothers whose milk is low and whose qi and blood feel depleted.

Method

1. Peel the lotus root and cut into chunks.
2. Soak and rinse the mung beans and tangerine peel.
3. Rinse and blanch the chicken breast and octopus.
4. Simmer everything in 2.4–2.7 L of water for 2 hours, reducing to about 1.5 L.

Nourilo’s Tips

This soup is sweet, savory, and tonifying without being drying. Beyond nursing mothers, men, women, young and old can all enjoy it; taken regularly it is associated with supporting healthy skin and graceful aging.