Lotus Root, Peanut and Pork Bone Soup

Why people make this soup

A good bowl of soup on a cold day is one of the warmest gestures you can offer someone you care for. Many younger folks shy away from soups loaded with bitter herbs, so here is a gentle one built from ordinary seasonal produce. Lotus root, peanuts and red dates give a naturally sweet pot that is traditionally said to support the spleen, moisten the lungs, nourish the blood and brighten the complexion — especially welcome for anyone who looks pale or has little appetite.

Method

1. Peel the lotus root, wash and cut into chunks. Soak and rinse the peanuts. Pit the red dates. Blanch the pork bones.
2. Put everything into 2.7 L of water and simmer for 2 hours until reduced to about 1.2 L. Serve.

Nourilo’s Tips

To warm the stomach and dispel cold you do not always need herbs — a few slices of ginger and some red dates do the job nicely. Look for fresh, seasonal produce like lotus root, fresh Chinese yam, beetroot, pumpkin, potato, tomato and carrot; they are all nourishing and none of them are overly cold in nature.