Lotus Root and Pork Rib Soup
Local name: 莲藕排骨汤
In short: Pork ribs and lotus root simmered slowly into a clear, mellow soup with tender meat and starchy, gently sweet slices of lotus root. It takes about 2 h in total and makes 5 servings.
- Prep
- 20 min
- Cook
- 1 h 40 min
- Resting
- 2 h
- Total
- 2 h
- Servings
- 5
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 265 kcal
This comforting soup is made in homes across central and southern China, especially Hubei and Guangdong, where lotus root grows in ponds. Pork ribs are blanched, then simmered with thick slices of lotus root until the root turns floury and soft and the broth tastes gently sweet. Peanuts add body. It uses very few seasonings, so the ribs and the slow, low simmer matter most. Serve it as a bowl alongside rice and other dishes.
Instructions
- Soak the peanuts in water for 2 hours. Peel the lotus root, slice it and keep it in cold water so it does not darken.
- Put the ribs in a pot, cover with cold water and bring to a boil. Boil for 3 minutes, then drain and rinse the ribs under running water to remove the scum.
- Return the ribs to a clean pot with the drained peanuts, ginger and the 2 L of water. Bring to a boil, skim off any foam, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Partly cover and cook for 30 minutes.
- Add the lotus root and return to a simmer. Cook for 60 minutes more, until the lotus root is soft and floury and the meat pulls easily from the bones.
- Season with the salt and white pepper, skim off excess fat if you like, and top with the scallions. Serve hot.
Tips
- Pick thick, plump sections of lotus root. The starchy, powdery kind gives the creamiest soup, while the crisp kind is better for stir-fries.
- A slow cooker works well: cook on low for 6 hours. A pressure cooker takes about 30 minutes at high pressure.
Questions and answers
Why does lotus root turn dark?
It oxidizes once peeled and cut, like an apple. Keep the slices in cold water until you cook them, and the color will stay pale.
What does lotus root taste like?
It is mild and slightly sweet. Simmered in soup it turns tender and starchy, like a cross between potato and chestnut, and it thickens the broth slightly.
Can I add other ingredients?
Yes. Dried jujubes, goji berries or a few dried scallops are common additions. Add the jujubes and goji for the last 20 minutes.
How long does it take to make Lotus Root and Pork Rib Soup?
About 2 h in total: 20 min of preparation and 1 h 40 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Lotus Root and Pork Rib Soup?
About 265 kcal per serving, with 17 g of protein, 18 g of carbohydrates and 14 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 265 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 17 g |
| Carbohydrates | 18 g |
| Fat | 14 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Sodium | 700 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
