Chinese Yam, Goji, Snow Fungus and Sea Cucumber Soup

Why people make this soup

I know a few older ladies whose faces have aged beautifully and whose skin still looks well cared for. They all pay attention to what they eat — and just as importantly, they keep a cheerful, easygoing outlook. Collagen-rich foods like snow fungus, wood ear, sea cucumber, fish maw and chicken feet are traditionally prized for keeping skin smooth and supple. Simmering Chinese yam, goji, snow fungus and pork shin with sea cucumber makes a soup traditionally taken to nourish the organs, support the skin and encourage gentle, healthy aging.

Method

1. Soak and rinse the yam, goji and snow fungus; trim the hard stem off the snow fungus.
2. Blanch the sea cucumber and pork shin.
3. Put everything in a pot with 2.4 L of water.
4. Simmer about 2 hours until reduced to roughly 1.2 L. Drink the soup and eat the solids.

Nourilo’s Tips

This soup nourishes the essence and blood, is neither cooling nor drying, and the whole family can enjoy it. It is also often considered suitable for those trying to conceive. If your yam, goji or snow fungus has been sulphur-treated, the soup can taste sour — soak those ingredients for an hour, discard the water, and add a few extra red dates. Sulphur-free ingredients smell neutral and are worth the slightly higher price.