| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 2 hours | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 560 | 33g | 10g | 18g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 10g | 3g | 54g | 2.5g |
There’s something uniquely comforting about a simmering pot of Pork Ribs and Longan Soup, with its delectable balance of savory pork ribs and sweet longan fruit. In fact, it’s one of those culinary gems I’ve discovered that effortlessly blends the traditions of my dual heritage—drawing from the hearty, rustic flavors common in Pacific Northwest cuisine and the delicate, nuanced touches associated with Japanese culinary artistry.
A Blend for the Senses
The wonderful collage of ingredients in this Pork Ribs and Longan Soup harmoniously work together to create a dish that’s truly a pleasure to the senses. Think of sinking your teeth into tender pork ribs as you savor the sweet undertones of dried longan, a fruit that’s somewhat reminiscent of lychee for those unfamiliar. The gentle heat of ginger creates a perfect counterpoint, adding a subtle spiciness that feels just right.
Then there’s a thrill in that first waft of fragrance when you sauté the onions, garlic in a splash of vegetable oil. Each element, down to the final garnish of fresh green onions and coriander, weaves a tapestry of delightful flavors that stands as a testament to the healing nature of home-cooked food.
Nutritive Benefits
Of course, outside of straight-up deliciousness, this dish also boasts an array of health benefits. It’s rich in satisfying, quality proteins courtesy of the pork ribs. Plus, the longan fruit is a powerhouse of vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin C, contributing to a healthy immune system.
But there’s another star player here, the deeply fragrant and therapeutic ginger. Renowned in both traditional and modern medicine for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, it adds not just flavor, but an additional wellness boost to this recipe.
The Pork Ribs and Longan Soup may remind some food lovers of the classic Chinese Bak Kut Teh, a pork rib concoction known for its potent herbal flavor. You could make it a substantial meal on its own or pair it up with a side of fluffy white rice or even a crunchy Asian salad for an extra refreshing note.
Suffice to say, this humble soup recipe encapsulates my love for food that is both comforting to the soul and nourishing for the body. Intricate enough to intrigue, yet straightforward enough to be a familiar favorite, it’s a dish I trust you will enjoy as much as I do.
What You’ll Need
- 1.5 pounds of pork ribs
- 2 cups of dried longan
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, peeled and chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, peeled and minced
- 1 thumb of ginger, peeled and sliced
- 3 liters of water
- 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 sprigs of green onions, chopped for garnishing
- A handful of coriander, chopped for garnishing
Method
Step One
In a large pot, add the pork ribs and 3 liters of water over medium-high heat. Bring the water to a boil and then reduce to low heat. Let it simmer for 1 hour.
Step Two
While the pork ribs are simmering, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the peeled and chopped onion, minced garlic, and sliced ginger. Cook until the onion is translucent and the garlic and ginger are fragely aromatic.
Step Three
Add the cooked onion, garlic, and ginger mixture into the pot with the pork ribs. Stir the soup and add the dried longan to the pot.
Step Four
Again, bring the soup to a boil. Reduce to low heat and let it simmer for another hour.
Step Five
Season the soup with the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and salt and pepper according to your taste. Stir well to ensure all the flavours are well mixed.
Step Six
Before serving the soup, garnish it with the chopped green onions and coriander. Your Pork Ribs and Longan Soup is now ready to be served.
