Kudzu, Carrot, Adzuki and Hyacinth Bean Pork Shin Soup

Why people make this soup

Kudzu root is available at Chinese or Asian grocers, or online, and is traditionally valued for supporting healthy blood sugar and lipids. It is also a classic remedy for tension across the neck and back at the onset of a cold. If you spend long hours at a computer and feel your neck and shoulders tightening, this soup of kudzu with carrot, adzuki and hyacinth beans and pork shin is a comforting way to ease that strain.

Method

1. Tear the skin off the kudzu, wash and cut into chunks. Peel and chunk the carrot. Rinse and soak the adzuki beans, hyacinth beans and tangerine peel.
2. Cut and blanch the pork shin.
3. Add all ingredients to 2.7 L of water and simmer 2 hours until reduced to about 1.5 L. Serve.

Nourilo’s Tips

Kudzu can be hard to peel — press a small knife against the edge and pull the skin downward, which makes it come off more easily. This soup suits young and old and is traditionally welcomed by those mindful of blood sugar and blood pressure.