Tiger Milk Mushroom, White Jade Fungus, Goji Berry, Almond & Pork Soup

Why people make this soup

In Chinese medicine, autumn is the season associated with the lungs — as the air turns dry and the weather cools, the lungs become more vulnerable. People who already tend toward dry coughs, allergic coughs, breathlessness, or constipation from dryness will often notice their symptoms worsen at this time of year. Nourilo designed this soup to address exactly this seasonal vulnerability. Tiger milk mushroom (hu ru ling zhi) is a prized medicinal fungus from Southeast Asia that has gained wide attention for its traditional use in supporting lung health, easing respiratory conditions, and bolstering immune function. White jade fungus is a newer variety of edible wood-ear fungus with a pleasantly silky texture; it can be substituted with the more familiar snow fungus. Together with apricot kernels, dried figs, and goji berries, this is a well-rounded soup that nourishes the lungs without being heavy.

Method

1. Rinse and soak the tiger milk mushroom, white jade fungus, and goji berries separately.
2. Blanch the lean pork slices in boiling water briefly, then drain and rinse.
3. Place all ingredients in a pot with 2.4 L of water.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1.5 hours until reduced to approximately 1.2 L.
5. Serve warm, eating the ingredients along with the soup — particularly the white jade fungus and apricot kernels.

Nourilo’s Tips

White jade fungus is a relatively new variety of wood-ear fungus. It looks somewhat similar to black wood ear or cloud ear, but has a pleasantly delicate texture. It is available at larger Chinese herb and dried-food shops. If you cannot find white jade fungus, snow fungus (yin er / xue er) is an excellent and more widely available substitute. This soup is clear, moist, and gentle — the whole family can enjoy it, and it is a particularly thoughtful soup to make for someone undergoing cancer treatment, as it is traditionally considered to strengthen the body’s resources and support its natural defences.