Five-finger fig root (hairy fig) and carrot soup with pork ribs

Ingredientsone pot, serves 4

Method

1. Soak and rinse the 五指毛桃 (hairy fig root) until the water runs clear; soak and rinse the Job's tears; peel the carrots and cut them into chunks.
2. Blanch the pork ribs (飛水, a quick boil) to draw out the blood and scum.
3. Bring 2.5 litres of water to the boil over high heat, then add all the ingredients.
4. Once it returns to the boil, turn the heat to low and simmer for 2 hours; the soup carries a light coconut milk fragrance.
5. Season with salt and it is ready.

Who it suits

• low energy and tiring easily
• constant yawning and sleepiness
• suitable for young and old

Who should take care

• Few restrictions, suitable for young and old (research source)
• Pregnant women should be cautious with Job's tears
• People with gout or high uric acid should drink only a little, long-boiled meat soups are high in purines (general warning across this collection)

Soup stories

Hairy fig root gives off a coconut milk fragrance as it boils, and it has long been called "southern astragalus" for building strength without heat. It began as a Hakka favourite and was later taken up right across Hong Kong.

From the same family

Winter melon, Job's tears and lotus leaf soup with pork ribsBlack-eyed pea and tangerine peel soup with common carpHairy gourd, black-eyed pea and peanut soup with chicken feet

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.