Cardamine (Tong Ge Cai), Apricot Kernel, Fig and Pork Rib Soup

Why people make this soup

With weather swinging warm and cold it’s easy to catch a cold, and even after the worst passes some people are left with a scratchy throat, a stubborn cough with phlegm, poor appetite, sluggish digestion and a foggy, tired head. In food-therapy terms that’s lingering heat that hasn’t fully cleared. This pot is Nourilo’s gentle answer. Cardamine (tong ge cai) is available fresh at Chinese or Asian grocers; choose bunches with few yellowed leaves.

Method

1. Trim the roots off the cardamine, wash and cut into segments; rinse the apricot kernels and figs; blanch the pork ribs.
2. Add everything to a pot with 2.7 L of water and simmer for 2 hours until reduced to 1.2 L.

Nourilo’s Tips

This soup is clear, moistening and pleasant, fine for young and old. It leaves the throat feeling comfortable and is also good for poor digestion and a tired, foggy head.