American ginseng soup with goji berries and lean pork (花旗參汤)

One excellent remedy for revitalizing your energy during cooler weather is ginseng soup. My preference is for American ginseng (Hua Qi Shen 花旗参), which offers a milder flavor than traditional ginseng, creating a harmonious balance for both yin and yang within the body.

On occasion, I rely on a store-bought ingredient pack named ‘Hua Qi Shen Dun Ji,’ which includes American ginseng (花旗参), lotus seeds, goji berries, Chinese yam (淮山), fox nuts (芡实), Astragalus root (黄芪), and dried longan fruit. I also add approximately 500g of lean pork to enhance the flavor and nourishing qualities.

If you’re unable to find the pre-made soup mix, you can easily prepare a version with American ginseng and goji berries, combined with lean pork.

This soup not only boosts my energy but also provides comforting warmth, making it perfect for the season.

Ingredients

• 1 pack of ginseng soup mix (from Asian stores). The soup mix can be replaced with 2 small pieces of dried ginseng, 1 tbsp dried goji berries and 1 tbsp of dried longan fruit (optional).
• 500g lean pork
• Salt to taste

Method

• Place the pork ribs in a saucepan and add enough water to submerge the meat. Bring it to a boil and continue boiling for 3 minutes.
• Drain the meat and liquid in a colander over the sink. Rinse the meat with cold water to remove impurities.
• Return the cleaned pork ribs to the saucepan along with the soup mix and enough water to submerge the meat. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to the lowest setting possible. Simmer for 2-3 hours.
• Season with salt to taste.