Lotus Root Soup (莲藕汤）

This is such a favourite for many people. The taste is light, naturally sweet, and comforting.

Ingredients

• 300g pork ribs + chicken feet (optional)
• 1 medium lotus root (about 400–500g) – choose one still covered in mud if possible
• 100g raw peanuts – soaked in hot water for 10–15 mins
• 1 piece dried cuttlefish – soaked in room temperature water for 10 mins
• 5 red dates (de-seed, cut in half)
• 1.2 litres water
• Salt, to taste

Instructions

1. Parboil pork ribs and chicken feet in boiling water for 2–3 mins. Rinse under running water to remove impurities.
2. Soak peanuts in hot water until softened. Soak dried cuttlefish in room temp water.
3. Scrape off as much mud as possible with a spoon, rinse, peel, and chop into 1–2cm slices. Rinse again thoroughly, making sure the holes are clean.
4. In a large pot, add water, pork ribs, chicken feet, peanuts, cuttlefish, lotus root, and red dates. Bring to a boil.
5. Lower the heat and simmer gently for 1–2 hours.
6. Add salt to taste before serving.