Lotus Seed Pork Leg Soup is a comforting and nourishing classic, perfect for a chilly evening or a special family gathering. This traditional soup boasts a rich, savory broth infused with the delicate sweetness of lotus seeds and the melt-in-your-mouth tenderness of a perfectly cooked pork leg. The combination of ingredients offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures, creating a truly satisfying culinary experience. Beyond its delicious taste, this soup is packed with essential nutrients, providing a wholesome and healthy meal for everyone.
The benefits extend beyond just taste and nutrition; this recipe is surprisingly simple to prepare, even for novice cooks. Ready to experience the magic of this flavorful soup? Let's dive into the easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions below.
Tools Needed
- Pot
- sieve
Ingredients
- Pork leg: 500g
- Carrot: 300g
- Shallots: 30g
- Dried lotus seeds: 10g
- Red dates: 30g
- Dried shiitake mushrooms: 30g
- Green onions
- Salt
- Seasoning powder: 1 teaspoon
- Cornstarch: 1/2 teaspoon
- Fish sauce: 2 teaspoons
- Ground pepper
- Water: 1.4L
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare Ingredients
- Cut the pork leg into pieces, wash with diluted salt water, then rinse with plain water and drain.
- Peel and wash the carrots. Wash green onions.
- Soak shiitake mushrooms, lotus seeds, and red dates in water for an hour. Mix well and let it soak.
- Cut the carrots into appropriate sizes (not too thick or thin).
- Rinse the soaked ingredients three to four times.
Step 2. Cook the Pork Leg
- Blanch the pork leg to remove odor. Once water boils, turn off the heat.
- Wash the pork leg again. Marinate with seasoning powder, cornstarch, fish sauce, and ground pepper. Mix well and let it marinate for 30 minutes.
- Add chopped shallots to the water before adding the marinated pork leg.
- Add the marinated pork leg to a pot, add seasoning, and cook until fragrant. Stir and flip the meat for even cooking.
- Add 1.4L of water, cover the pot halfway, and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium.
Step 3. Add Vegetables and Simmer
- After 30 minutes of simmering, add the carrots and continue cooking for another 10 minutes.
- Add remaining ingredients (lotus seeds, red dates, shiitake mushrooms) and simmer for another 5 minutes.
Step 4. Finish and Serve
- Reduce heat to low, add cornstarch and seasoning to taste. Stir to dissolve.
- Add green onions and cilantro, stir well, and serve.
Read more: Vietnamese Sweet & Sour Fish Soup: A Delicious Comfort Food Recipe
Tips
- Don't make the carrots too thick or too thin when cutting.
- Adjust seasoning to your family's preference.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of meat instead of pork leg?
Yes, you can substitute with chicken legs or beef shank, but the cooking time might need adjustment. Chicken will cook faster, beef slower.
2. How can I make the soup richer in flavor?
Add a few dried Chinese dates or a piece of ginger for extra sweetness and depth of flavor. You can also toast the lotus seeds lightly before adding them to the soup.
3. What if I don't have all the ingredients listed?
Feel free to omit ingredients you don't have. The core flavors will still come through. For example, you can skip the goji berries if you don't have them.
This Lotus Seed Pork Leg Soup recipe is a testament to the power of simple ingredients creating a truly exceptional dish. Enjoy the heartwarming flavors and nutritional benefits this comforting soup offers your family. We hope you’ll make this recipe a cherished part of your culinary repertoire!