Soup Name:  Water Chestnuts and Pork Spring Soup

Traditional Chinese Name: 馬蹄豬湯 (matí zhū tāng)
 
Introduction:
With Spring just around the corner, this simple and hearty soup is a perfect way to welcome in the warming weather.   This soup, along with a simple bowl of brown rice, served as dinner for my whole family, including our two-year old daughter.   Water chestnuts add a delicious sweetness, a crunchy texture and creates a “cool” soup perfect for the season.   Add in some hearty beans and vegetables to round out the meal.

What Ingredients are required?

1 pound of fresh pork meat (or pork bones)
3 carrots
8 chinese mushrooms
1 handful of dried black beans
15 – 20 pieces water chestnuts
2-3 L of water

How do I prepare it?

  1. If using pork bones, pre-marinate the pork with the salt and let it sit for at least an hour (overnight is best)
  2. Begin boiling your soup water
  3. Boil a separate pot to blanch pork
  4. Soak black beans and chinese mushrooms
  5. Chop chinese mushrooms into quarters or slices
  6. Wash, peel and cut carrots
  7. When water boils, add all the ingredients together
  8. Boil for at least 1 hour (longer if you wish the snow fungus softer)
  9. Serve and enjoy!

Any benefits?

  • Water Chestnuts are a relatively cooling food and can help relieve coughs
  • Pork contains many nutrients (including 6 essential vitamins) and is a good source of iron, zinc, Vitamin B6 and protein
  • Black beans are an excellent source of cholesterol-lowering fiber, iron, manganese and high quality protein
  • An easy, hearty and nutritious soup!