Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 oz dried snow fungus
- 1/2 cup dried lotus seeds
- 10 cups water
- 1/4 cup rock sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp goji berries (optional)
Special Equipment Needed:
- Large pot
- Strainer
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Soak the dried snow fungus in cold water for at least 2 hours or until it has expanded and softened.
2. Rinse the lotus seeds and soak them in cold water for at least 2 hours or until they have expanded and softened.
3. In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water to a boil.
4. Add the soaked snow fungus and lotus seeds to the pot and bring to a boil again.
5. Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for 1 hour.
6. Add the rock sugar and salt to the pot and stir until the sugar has dissolved.
7. Add the goji berries (if using) and let the soup simmer for another 10 minutes.
8. Turn off the heat and let the soup cool for a few minutes.
9. Strain the soup through a strainer to remove any impurities.
10. Serve hot.
Time:
Preparation time: 4 hours (including soaking time)
Cooking time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Temperature:
Simmer on low heat
Serving size:
6-8 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 90
Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 23g
Protein: 1g
Sodium: 102mg
Sugar: 16g
Fiber: 2g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Rock sugar can be substituted with regular sugar or honey.
- Goji berries can be omitted or substituted with other dried fruits such as red dates or raisins.
Variations:
- Add sliced ginger for extra flavor.
- Add chicken or pork for a meatier soup.
- Add other dried ingredients such as red dates or dried figs.
Tips and Tricks:
- Soak the snow fungus and lotus seeds for at least 2 hours to ensure they are fully softened before cooking.
- Use rock sugar instead of regular sugar for a more authentic taste.
- Strain the soup to remove any impurities and ensure a clear broth.
Storage Instructions:
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions:
Reheat the soup in a pot over low heat until heated through.
Presentation Ideas:
Serve the soup in individual bowls with a garnish of goji berries or sliced ginger on top.
Garnishes:
Goji berries, sliced ginger
Pairings:
This soup pairs well with steamed rice or a light salad.
Suggested Side Dishes:
Steamed vegetables or a side of stir-fried tofu.
Troubleshooting Advice:
If the soup is too thick, add more water to thin it out. If it is too thin, let it simmer for a longer period of time to reduce and thicken.
Food Safety Advice:
Make sure to fully soak and cook the snow fungus and lotus seeds to avoid any potential foodborne illnesses.
Food History:
Snow fungus soup with lotus seeds is a traditional Chinese dessert soup that is believed to have health benefits such as improving skin complexion and boosting the immune system.
Flavor Profiles:
This soup has a mild, slightly sweet flavor with a slightly chewy texture from the snow fungus and lotus seeds.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve this soup as a light dessert or as a comforting meal on a cold day.
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