Burdock Root Soup

A nourishing and detoxifying Burdock Root Soup that was simmered for 3 hours with red dates and chicken is today’s highlight . The japanese call this ‘Gobo’ ( poor man’s potatoes ) and the Chinese call it ‘ Ngau Pong ’ in Cantonese. Don’t ask me why it is called ‘ Ngau Pong’..maybe some of you can tell me what ' ngau pong ' means :p

Burdock is primarily a tonic and alterative herb. The cumulative effect of its use is said to bring a subtle strengthening and cleansing to the entire system. Good for removing toxins from our blood – a blood purifier ! It is popular in Japan as a source of vitamin and other nutrients. Japanese served this as a light japanese salad – julienned and cooked lightly with light soy sauce, sweet rice wine, chopped green onions and sesame seeds. I cook a nutritious soup with this burdock for the family. I have yet to use them in salad…..it is tasty and sweet in soup so I will definitely cook this again for the family.

It is aromatic and sweet and I love the subtle woody root smell. A simple and delicious burdock root soup that is so enriched with vits and nutrients. After tucking in so much of oven baked stuff the whole week ..this is good for detoxification :)) It also helps in clearing up skin conditions as psoriasis and dry, scaly eczema. Wow…it even helps reduce blood sugar levels ! Hah…I am slowly turning into a health freak….am I ? :p

burdock root from Japan

simmered for 3 hours under low heat

you can boil the burdock root with wolfberries too

Burdock Root Soup

(Serves 2 person )

Ingredients:

1 stick of burdock root- cut into a few pieces

8 red dates

1/2 chicken - cut into pieces

1700 litres water

salt to taste

Preparation:

Boil 1.7 litres of water in a pot under high heat. When the water boils put in the chicken pieces and boil under medium heat till the scum surfaces. Scoop off the scum from the surface, lower heat and add in the burdock root and red dates and continues to simmer the soup for 3 hours under low heat. Add salt to taste. Serve hot.

Quote for the day

" A home is a place where a pot of fresh soup

simmers gently on the hob, filling the kitchen

with soft aromas...and filling your heart, and

later your tummy, with joy. "

~ Keith Floyd ~

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