蓮藕排骨湯/Pork Rib and Lotus Root Soup

I remember my mom used to make this Pork Rib and Lotus Root Soup for us when I was very little.  I love this soup so much, it’s so delicious and this soup has become my family’s favorite soup.  My husband and my daughter love this soup whenever I cook it!  Pork Rib and Lotus Root Soup is very good for fall and winter when it is cold and rainy.  According to traditional Chinese herbal medicine, lotus root helps to soothe lugs and recover from losing blood.  This Pork Rib and Lotus Root Soup is perfect for women who just gave birth or during their period.  This soup contains a lot of calcium, so it’s good for kids as well.  This soup requires 3 – 4 hours of slow cooking to get all flavors out.

Ingredients:

·      1 lb fresh chopped pork ribs

·      ½ lb lotus roots

·      1 oz sliced ginger

·      6 dried dates

·      2.5 liters water (about half of a large soup pot)

·      1½ tsp salt

Directions:

Wash and peel the skin for the lotus roots and slice lengthwise to your preference.

In a large soup pot, add ribs, lotus roots, ginger, dates and water. Bring to a boil.  Reduce the heat, and then use a soup strainer to strain all the dark bubbles on top of the water.  Reduce the heat to the lowest and cook for 3 – 4 hours, add salt.   Now you are done!  This is very easy, right!

Same as any other Chinese soup, this soup can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days.  Just make sure to boil it for a few minutes before eating.