Vegetables and Dried Octopus with Mung Beans Soup

by LadyTong | May 21, 2013 | Soups for Children, Spring Soups | 7 comments

Soup Name: Vegetables and Dried Octopus with Mung Beans Soup

Traditional Chinese Name: 雜菜綠豆章魚湯 (Zá cài lǜ dòu zhāng yú tāng)

Introduction:

When it rains, the Chinese like using beans to absorb moisture from the body. Mung beans, dried beans, red beans, green beans, yellow beans, big beans and little beans – any type of beans will do really! The octopus is known to be a heaty ingredient and therefore is balanced with the cooler mung beans. This combination with lotus root is a delicious Spring Chinese soup ideal for the whole family. I’ve also added a variety of vegetables to sweeten it and dilute the unique taste of the octopus that my children pick up on. On top of this, it gives you a hearty soup that you can eat as a meal or additional dishes to your meal – like the corn.

What ingredients are required?

1 one-foot long lotus root, cut into bite size
1 whole dried octopus, sliced
100 g of mung beans
3 large fresh carrots, sliced
3 large fresh corn, quartered
2 L of water

How do I prepare it?

Any benefits?

• Excellent Chinese soup for Spring in absorbing wetness from the body
• This soup is an excellent source of protein and low in fat
• No salt required as the octopus already provides enough sodium
• Octopus is rich in calcium, phosphorous, and iron
• Dried Octopus aids in the prevention of anemia, relieves fatigue and restores eyesight and improves liver functions

Any precautions?

• Be sure to purchase dried Chinese products from a reputable source
• Sometimes the octopus is really salty, so if you want to reduce the saltiness, soak in warm water for a few hours
• Dried octopus is high in cholesterol
• People who are allergic to shellfish may be allergic to octopus