Prunella, Zhe-Fritillaria & Cat's-Claw Lean Pork Soup

Why people make this soup

Life in the city is stressful — tense nerves, anxiety, and a lot of meals out heavy with oil, salt, sugar and processed seasonings. Over time that load can stir up inflammation, and lingering inflammation is the kind of background in which small nodules tend to appear. A nodule — in the thyroid, breast, lung, liver, gallbladder or kidney — is really the body raising a small flag. Most are benign, but they can grow or multiply, so people like to take steps early. This prunella, fritillaria and cat’s-claw soup is a long-standing Cantonese choice, traditionally used to clear heat, resolve toxins and help soften such lumps.

Method

1. Soak and rinse the herbs.
2. Slice the lean pork and blanch it briefly to remove scum.
3. Put everything in 2.1 L of water and simmer for about 1.5 hours until reduced to roughly 900 ml.

Nourilo’s Tips

The medicinal taste isn’t strong, so old and young can take it. If you feel the cold, add a piece of chen pi and 2 honey dates. Pregnant women should not take it. Note that prunella swells a lot once cooked, so a vacuum (thermos) flask isn’t ideal for it.