Chinese Radish Soup

Mom suggested that I try to cook radish soup for stomach-cleansing purpose. Perhaps, she is worried of the well-being of our digestive system after seeing all the food pics we posted on fb.

Radish soup (白萝卜), in Chinese culinary culture, has always been known as a type of soup beneficial for the digestive system. In fact, some people would advise that you avoid eating any medicinal food or herbal tonic before consuming radish soup, because it will "wash away" all the goodies. A quick research into the health benefits of radish shows that it is a very low calorie root vegetable rich with anti-oxidants, electrolytes, minerals, vitamin and dietary fibre.

So, if you have had many heavy meals, and feel your insides are kinda clogged up and need a good cleaning, why not consider having some radish soup!

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For illustration purpose only

SERVINGS: 4 portions

PREPARATION + COOKING TIME: 2 hours

INGREDIENTS:

• (1) whole Radish - cut to small pieces
• (1) whole Corn Cob - shave corn off the cob
• (2) pieces of Chicken Thigh - remove skin
• option: (4) small pieces of Pork Ribs - rinse with hot water to reduce the oiliness
• (2) stalks of Spring Onions - cut the white portion into 1-inch pieces, and slice finely the green portion
• (1) tablespoon of Dried Shrimps - soak in hot water before use
• option: (1) piece of Dried Squid - soak in hot water and cut into small pieces
• (1) teaspoon of White Pepper - crush before use
• (1) tablespoon of Goji Berries
• (1/2) teaspoon of Salt - adjust according to taste

STEPS:

1. Boil (1.5)L of water in a kettle and then pour into a pot. Set stove to medium heat.
2. Add into the pot the radish, white-portion of spring onions, crushed white pepper and dried shrimps. Boil for (15) min.
3. Add the chicken thighs, corn and goji berries. Boil for another (20) to (30) min.
4. Check on the texture of the radish every other (10) min to make sure that they have softened. I personally like them to be very soft, so I would check if they are soft enough to be mushed with a spoon.
5. Once you are satisfied with softness of the radish, turn off the heat and add salt to taste. Stir the soup well so the flavour would spread out evenly.
6. Serve soup in bowl and sprinkle with some green spring onions on top.

Bon appetit!