Pork Rib and Lotus Root Soup

Instructions

1. Begin by preparing the pork ribs. Rinse them under cold water to remove any bone fragments. This step also helps to remove excess impurities, making the soup clearer.
2. In a large pot, bring approximately 8 cups of water to a boil. Add the pork ribs and let them boil for 5 minutes. This will help to extract any impurities from the meat. Carefully discard the dirty water and rinse the ribs under cold water once again. Set aside.
3. Replace the pot water with fresh 8 cups of water and bring to a boil. Add the ribs, ginger slices, and rice wine. Lower the heat to a simmer and cover the pot. Let the soup simmer for about 1 hour.
4. While the soup is simmering, prepare the lotus root. Peel it using a vegetable peeler and slice it into 1/4-inch thick rounds. If you’re not cutting the lotus root right away, store it in water to prevent browning.
5. After 1 hour of simmering, add the lotus root slices to the pot. Continue to simmer for another 40 minutes, or until the lotus root is tender yet still slightly crisp.
6. Taste the soup and add salt to your preference. If desired, add a tablespoon of soy sauce for extra depth of flavor.
7. Serve the soup hot, garnished with chopped green onions. Enjoy the comforting and nourishing flavor to warm your day.
8. Tip: For a richer flavor, consider roasting the pork ribs in the oven at 400°F for 15 minutes before using them in the soup.
9. Tip: Make sure not to overcook the lotus root; it should maintain its crisp texture, which adds wonderful texture contrast to the tender pork.