| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 90 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 180 | 3g | 1g | 35g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 9g | 5g | 8g | 0.32g |
Growing up in the wake of the ever-so vibrant city of New York, my culinary journey has always been a finely balanced combination of taste, diversity and, of course, the unparalleled NYC flair.
Today, I’m sharing with you an original and exotic dish, true to my love for fluidity in the kitchen. With the spotlight on a truly unique ingredient, today’s best loved recipe is the Lotus Root Soup.
From New York to China: The Power of Fusion
Lotus Root Soup, an elegant and nourishing dish, inspired by the rich, vibrant, and fragrant Chinese cuisine, is indeed an example of the beautiful blend of cultures that NYC endorses. I admire how this soup embodies simplicity and health, all under one dome. Lotus root, the star of the recipe, is a nutrient-rich root vegetable full of vitamin C and dietary fibers, popular in Chinese cuisine for both its health benefits and crunchy texture.
It’s light, flavourful, and akin to the classic western chicken soup in its comforting feel. The savory richness of octopus or pork ribs with the teasing sweetness from red dates, honey dates, and goji berries, builds a symphony of flavors. Additionally, a touch of pear and the magic of cooking wine enhances the flavor profile giving this soup its unique identity. Pair it with a bowl of jasmine rice or have it solo for a soothing and light lunch or dinner.
A Soup for the Soul
I love this recipe, not just for its delicious amalgamation of flavors, but for its versatility. You can adjust the ingredients to fit your personal preferences or dietary needs. This recipe is proof that the heart and health of a meal are not mutually exclusive, it’s a menu-worthy dish that takes the center stage effortlessly, without compromising on health.
The Lotus Root Soup, much like New York City, is an amalgamation of flavors and textures, showcasing the diversity of the city I am from, while introducing an aspect of foreign cuisine that is beloved. This enchanting blend assures that no one flavor overpowers the other, giving each ingredient its rightful moment in the spotlight. It’s no surprise that this soup, brimming with hearty flavors and numerous health benefits, takes the top spot in my recipe rotation.
Being on stage as an actor and being in the kitchen are not as different as they seem. Both require me to adapt, improvise, inspire and, in essence, create magic. And, in this case, a bowl full of magic is waiting for you to delve into, right in the comfort of your own home.
No matter which corner of the world you may be in, my Lotus Root Soup is sure to transport you straight to the bustling culinary scene of New York through the vibrant tapestry of its ingredients.
What You’ll Need
- 1 lb fresh lotus root
- 2 dried octopus or 1/2 lb of pork ribs
- 10 red dates
- 2 tablespoons goji berries
- 1 peeled and cored pear
- 2 dried honey dates
- 8 cups water
- 1/2 cup dried scallops
- 2 tablespoons cooking wine
- Salt to taste
Method
Step One
Start by preparing all the ingredients. Slice the fresh lotus root into 1 cm thick pieces. If you’re using dried octopus, soak it in water overnight to rehydrate it. If you’re using pork ribs, blanch them in boiling water for a few minutes to remove any impurities. Rinse the red dates, dried honey dates and goji berries under running water.
Step Two
Put the sliced lotus root, rehydrated octopus or blanched pork ribs, red dates, goji berries, dried honey dates, peeled and cored pear and dried scallops into a large pot of water. Make sure the ingredients are submerged in the water.
Step Three
Cover the pot with lid, and bring the water to a boil over high heat.
Step Four
Once the soup is boiling, reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for at least 2 hours, or until the lotus root slices are soft and appear translucent in color.
Step Five
After 2 hours, add the cooking wine and salt to the soup. Adjust the seasoning according to your liking. Allow the soup to simmer for another 10 minutes for the seasoning to blend into the soup.
Step Six
Your Lotus Root Soup is now ready to serve. It can be enjoyed hot, as a comforting soup in winter, or cooled, as a refreshing drink in summer. Enjoy!
