Delicious Health-Boosting Soups for Fall and Winter
For many traditional homemakers, simmering a pot of aromatic soup at home offers both comfort and joy as the family gathers to enjoy it together. Here, we present a selection of nourishing soups perfect for the autumn and winter months. These recipes not only warm the heart but also provide significant health benefits.
Sweet Almond and Mushroom Pork Soup
Ingredients: 25g sweet almonds, 25g snow fungus, 8 dried longan, 5 red dates, 300g pork belly, and 2 slices of fresh ginger.
Instructions: Remove the stems from the mushrooms and soak the snow fungus in water until softened. Clean the longan and red dates (removing pits), sweet almonds (shelled), fresh ginger, and pork belly. Combine all ingredients in a pot, add enough water, and let it soak for about 20 minutes. Bring it to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium heat and simmer for approximately 30 minutes.
Health Benefits: This soup nourishes the lungs, enhances blood circulation, and boosts overall energy levels.
Steamed Chicken with Huángjīng
Ingredients: 30g huángjīng, 30g dangshen, 30g yam, 1 whole chicken (about 1000g), fresh ginger, and Sichuan peppercorns to taste.
Instructions: Clean the chicken and cut it into bite-sized pieces. Blanch it in boiling water for 3 minutes, then rinse off any impurities. Place the chicken in a pot and add huángjīng, dangshen, yam, ginger, and Sichuan peppercorns. Steam the mixture over boiling water for 3 hours.
Health Benefits: This dish is known to enhance cognitive function and support brain health.
Lotus Seed and Poria Mushroom Soup
Ingredients: 300g lean pork, 25g yam, 25g poria mushroom, 20g coix seed, 20g lotus seeds, and an appropriate amount of white fungus and ginkgo nuts.
Instructions: Soak the white fungus until soft and remove any impurities. Clean the yam, coix seed, lotus seeds, ginkgo nuts, and lean pork. In a pot, combine all the ingredients and add water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 30 minutes.
Health Benefits: This soup supports spleen health, boosts energy, aids digestion, and can help alleviate diarrhea.
Conclusion
These traditional soups provide warmth and nourishment, making them ideal choices for the colder months. By incorporating these recipes into your routine, you can enjoy not only the delightful flavors but also the substantial health benefits they offer. Gather your family, and savor these wholesome soups together for a truly enriching experience.