Lotus Root Pork Soup

Lotus Root Pork Soup

(A nourishing and comforting Chinese soup featuring tender pork, crunchy lotus root, and flavorful vegetables in a rich, slow-simmered broth.)

---

Ingredients

For the Broth:

• 8 cups pork bone broth (or water with pork bones for homemade broth)
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine (optional, for depth of flavor)
• 1 tsp white pepper
• ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• 1 tsp sesame oil

For the Pork:

• 1 lb pork ribs (or pork shoulder, cut into chunks)
• 1 tsp soy sauce (for marinating)
• ½ tsp cornstarch (to keep meat tender)
• 1 tbsp ginger, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, smashed

For the Vegetables:

• 1 medium lotus root, peeled and sliced into thin rounds
• 1 medium carrot, cut into chunks
• 6 shiitake mushrooms, sliced
• 2 red dates (optional, for natural sweetness)
• ½ cup goji berries (optional, for extra nutrition)
• 2 tbsp green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• 2 tbsp cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pork:

• Blanch the pork ribs: Place them in a pot of boiling water for 5 minutes, then drain and rinse to remove impurities.
• In a bowl, mix pork with soy sauce and cornstarch. Let marinate for 15 minutes.

2. Simmer the Broth:

• In a large pot, bring pork broth or water to a boil.
• Add pork ribs, ginger, garlic, and Shaoxing wine.
• Reduce heat and let simmer for 45 minutes to develop deep flavor.

3. Add Vegetables & Simmer Further:

• Add lotus root, carrots, and shiitake mushrooms to the pot.
• If using, add red dates and goji berries for sweetness.
• Let simmer for another 30 minutes until the lotus root is tender.

4. Season & Final Touches:

• Stir in soy sauce, white pepper, salt, and sesame oil. Adjust seasoning to taste.
• Simmer for 5 more minutes, then turn off the heat.

5. Serve & Garnish:

• Ladle the soup into bowls.
• Garnish with chopped green onions and cilantro.

---

Why This Version Stands Out?

✅ Slow-simmered pork broth for deep, rich flavor.
✅ Crunchy lotus root pairs beautifully with tender meat.
✅ Traditional Chinese herbs like red dates and goji berries add natural sweetness and nutrition.
✅ Light yet nourishing, perfect for cold days or recovery.

Would you like to add more spice or make it heartier with noodles? 😊