Lotus root soup with pork ribs (排骨莲藕汤) is a delicious homely and extremely nutritious classic Chinese soup. Lotus root soup is normally served during Chinese New Year because the Lotus Seeds signify the family’s prosperity through time. This is also a favourite dish among Chinese families as it also signifies having many kids in the family (specifically male offspring). The soup is a beautiful art itself; the thin, round slices of lotus root look like real flowers floating on the water. It is normally served as an appetizer.
How to choose lotus root for the soup making?
Generally, there are two types of lotus root, the starchy( (powdery) ones and the crunchy ones. The lotus roots which are starchy are best used for making soup, they normally have a darker colour and a rougher surface. The crunchy types are usually used for stir fry and are lighter in colour and have a smoother surface.
Look for heavy and firm lotus root with no soft spots or bruises. The lotus root grows deep in the soil of pond and river bottoms, thus in most circumstances, the roots are still covered with mud and soil when buying them from the wet market. The mud and dirt can be easily washed off with water.
Read more about lotus root here.
Lotus Root Soup Recipe Ingredients
The recipe calls for:
- 350 gram lotus root peeled and sliced
- 900 gram pork ribs
- 5 slices ginger
- 3 tbsp dried goji berries
- 4 red dates
- 2 tbsp salt
- 25 gram dried squid
- 2.5 liter water
Lotus Root Soup with Pork Ribs Recipe
- Soak the pork ribs in hot water (~90 degrees celsius) for 10 minutes. Rinse it thoroughly, drain the water and set it aside. This process will give you a clear soup.
- To start cooking the soup, boil the water. When the water is boiling, add all the prepared ingredients to a stockpot: pork ribs, dried squid, sliced lotus root, ginger, red dates.
- Bring it to a boil again and then reduce the heat. Partially cover the stock and simmer gently for 1 hour and 15 minutes until the lotus root becomes soft and tender.
- Add the goji berry and season the soup with salt for 10 minutes before turning off the stove.
What is Lotus Root Soup good for?
Lotus roots are rich in dietary fibre which helps to improve bowel movements and reduce constipation. Lotus root is also a good source of vitamins and minerals essential for our body, including vitamin B1 (thiamine), vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), copper, manganese, phosphorus and potassium.
Benefits of adding lotus root into your diet include:
- Promote a healthy digestive system and regular bowel movements
- Boosts immune system
- Help regulate blood circulation and blood sugar level
- Reduce risks of cardiovascular disease
- Assist in lowering cholesterols level
- Promote healthy skin and hair
- Support healthy bones
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, lotus roots are plants that belong to the ‘Herbs that stop bleeding’ category. Like the name indicates these herbs tend to have hemostatic properties, meaning that they help stop various types of hemorrhages and echymosis. Find out more here.
Lotus Root Soup with Pork Ribs Important Recipe Tips
Here are some important basics to know when making the lotus root pork ribs soup.
- Make sure to fill up adequate water for the soup from the beginning. Do not add in water during the stewing process and only add in boiling water when it is necessary.
- Pork ribs and lotus root dipped in light soy sauce is the best combination you can ever make.
Lotus Root Soup with Pork Ribs
Ingredients
- 350 gram lotus root peeled and thinly sliced
- 900 gram pork ribs
- 5 slices ginger
- 3 tbsp dried goji berries
- 4 red dates
- 2 tbsp salt
- 25 gram dried squid
- 2.5 liter water
Instructions
- Soak the pork ribs in hot water (~90 degrees celsius) for 10 minutes. Rinse it thoroughly, drain the water and set it aside. This process will give you a clear soup.
- To start cooking the soup, boil the water. When the water is boiling, add all the prepared ingredients to a stockpot: pork ribs, dried squid, sliced lotus root, ginger, red dates.
- Bring it to a boil again and then reduce the heat. Partially cover the stock and simmer gently for 1 hour & 15 minutes until the lotus root becomes soft and tender.
- Add the goji berry and season the soup with salt for 10 minutes before turning off the stove.
Video
Notes
- Make sure to fill up adequate water for the soup from the beginning. Do not add in water during the stewing process and only add in boiling water when it is necessary.
- Pork ribs and lotus root dipped in light soy sauce is the best combination you can ever make.
Thank you for the lotus root soup recipe! I was looking for how to make this soup and I can’t wait to make it.