Codonopsis and astragalus qi-tonic soup with lean pork

Ingredientsone pot, serves 4

Method

1. Rinse the 黨參, 北芪, dried 淮山 and 圓肉, and pit the red dates.
2. Cut the lean pork into large pieces, blanch it (汆水, a quick boil to clear the scum) and 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 heat and simmer for 2 hours, then season with salt.

Who it suits

• people low in qi who tire easily
• people who catch colds easily
• a sallow complexion

Who should take care

• not while you have a cold with fever
• people with a hot, dry constitution should be careful
• people with gout or high uric acid should drink only a little long-simmered meat soup

From the same family

Double-boiled lean pork with ginseng and dendrobiumDouble-boiled chicken with cordycepsDouble-boiled teal with cordyceps

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.