Chinese yam, taxillus (mulberry mistletoe) and lotus seed soup

Ingredientsone pot, serves 4

Method

1. Rinse the dried Chinese yam, 桑寄生 mulberry mistletoe, lotus seeds and red dates.
2. Cut the lean pork into large pieces and blanch it (汆水, a quick boil to draw out blood and scum), then set it aside.
3. Put everything in the pot with 2.5 litres of water and bring to the boil over high heat.
4. Turn down to low, simmer for 2 hours and season with salt.

Who it suits

• pregnancy, traditionally taken to settle the pregnancy
• an aching lower back and knees

Who should take care

• People with gout or high uric acid should go easy on long-boiled meat soups

From the same family

"ABC soup", tomato, potato, carrot and corn soup with porkShiitake mushroom, carrot and red date soup with lean porkChayote, corn and carrot soup with pork ribs

Lo Fo Tong is cultural food-heritage reference, not medical advice. If you are pregnant, unwell or on medication, talk to your doctor or registered practitioner before changing what is in the pot.