Watercress soup with apricot kernels, honey dates and lean pork

Ingredientsone pot, serves 4

Method

1. Soak and wash the watercress thoroughly. Rinse both kinds of apricot kernel.
2. Cut the lean pork into large pieces and blanch it (飛水, a quick boil to clear the scum).
3. Bring 2.5 litres of water to the boil over high heat, then add the pork, apricot kernels, honey dates, 羅漢果 and ginger slices.
4. Once it returns to the boil add the watercress, turn down to low heat and simmer for 2 hours.
5. Season with salt and it is ready.

Who it suits

• a dry cough
• too much smoking and drinking
• late nights

Who should take care

• people with a cold-type cough should be careful
• people with a weak, cold digestion should be careful
• pregnant women should be careful
• 北杏 must be cooked right through and kept to a small amount
• people with gout or high uric acid should drink only a little, long-simmered meat soups are high in purines (general warning across this collection)

From the same family

Winter melon, dried shrimp and glass noodle soupAngled loofah, cloud ear fungus and pork slice soupYellowcress (marsh cress) and snakehead fish soup

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.