Pseudostellaria (prince ginseng) and ophiopogon soup with lean pork

Ingredientsone pot, serves 4

Method

1. Rinse the 太子參 (prince ginseng), 麥冬 (ophiopogon) and Chinese yam and soak them until soft; rinse the dried figs.
2. Cut the lean pork into pieces and blanch it (汆水, a quick boil that draws out the blood and scum).
3. Bring 2 litres of water to the boil and add all the ingredients.
4. Boil hard for 10 minutes, then turn the heat to low and simmer for 1.5 hours.
5. Season with a little salt and it is ready.

Who it suits

• children who are frail and eat poorly
• recovery after illness
• sweating a lot

Who should take care

• Not suitable during a cold with fever

Soup stories

Hong Kong herbal shops all treat 太子參 as the children's ginseng. It is mild in character and suits everyday use.

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.