Lotus Root and Pork Soup

Ingredients

• Salt (1 teaspoon, or to taste)
• Water (8 cups)
• Ginger (2-inch piece, peeled and thinly sliced)
• Goji berries (1/4 cup)
• Red dates (6 to 8, pitted)
• Pork ribs (1 pound, cut into 1-inch pieces)
• Lotus root (1 large, peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch thick pieces)

Instructions

1. Prepare the ingredients by rinsing the lotus root and cutting it into slices. Rinely rinse the pork ribs, then blanch them in boiling water for about 5 minutes to remove any impurities. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large pot, combine the prepared lotus root, pork ribs, red dates, goji berries, and ginger. Pour the water over the ingredients, ensuring they are fully submerged.
3. Place the pot on medium heat and bring the soup to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and allow the soup to simmer for about 2 hours. During this time, the pork should become tender and the flavors from the ingredients will beautifully meld together.
4. After 2 hours, taste the soup and season with salt as needed. Stir well to ensure the salt is fully dissolved.
5. Serve the soup hot, ideally with a side of steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.