Summer's Vitality Nourishing Soup Recipes to Boost Your Qi and Blood

Introduction:

Summer, with its scorching heat, can leave you feeling drained and depleted. The soaring temperatures can sap your energy levels and weaken your immune system. But fear not! With these nourishing soup recipes, you can replenish your Qi (vital energy) and blood, keeping you refreshed and revitalized throughout the hot season. In this article, we will explore some traditional and modern soup recipes that are perfect for summer, packed with ingredients that will help you stay healthy and energized.

1. Red Dates and Goji Berry Soup

Red dates and goji berries are well-known for their health benefits, especially in replenishing Qi and blood. This delicious and easy-to-make soup will leave you feeling rejuvenated.

Ingredients:

- 1/2 cup dried red dates

- 1/2 cup goji berries

- 1/2 cup lotus seeds

- 1/2 cup almonds

- 1 liter of water

- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)

Instructions:

1. Rinse all the ingredients under running water.

2. Soak the dried red dates, goji berries, lotus seeds, and almonds in water for at least 30 minutes.

3. In a pot, bring the water to a boil.

4. Add the soaked ingredients to the pot and let it simmer for about 1 hour.

5. Remove the pot from heat and let it cool slightly.

6. Add honey to taste (if desired) and serve warm.

2. Chicken and Astragalus Soup

Astragalus is a traditional Chinese herb known for its immune-boosting properties. This chicken and astragalus soup will help you maintain your health and energy levels during the summer.

Ingredients:

- 1 whole chicken (about 3 pounds)

- 1/2 cup astragalus roots

- 1/2 cup carrots, sliced

- 1/2 cup daikon radish, sliced

- 1/2 cup lotus root, sliced

- 1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced

- 1 liter of water

- Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Rinse the chicken under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels.

2. In a large pot, bring the water to a boil.

3. Add the chicken to the pot and let it boil for about 10 minutes. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface.

4. Remove the chicken from the pot and rinse it under cold water.

5. In the same pot, add the astragalus roots, carrots, daikon radish, lotus root, and mushrooms.

6. Add the chicken back to the pot and bring it to a boil.

7. Reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for about 2 hours, or until the chicken is tender.

8. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve hot.

3. Carrot and Ginger Soup

This delightful carrot and ginger soup is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients that will help you stay cool and energized during the summer.

Ingredients:

- 4 medium carrots, peeled and diced

- 1 inch fresh ginger, peeled and minced

- 1 cup of water or vegetable broth

- 1 cup of coconut milk

- 2 tablespoons of sesame oil

- Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, combine the diced carrots and minced ginger.

2. Add water or vegetable broth to cover the ingredients and bring to a boil.

3. Reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the carrots are tender.

4. In a blender, puree the carrot and ginger mixture until smooth.

5. Return the pureed soup to the saucepan.

6. Stir in the coconut milk and sesame oil.

7. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve warm.

Conclusion:

Summer can be a challenging season for our bodies, but with these nourishing soup recipes, you can replenish your Qi and blood, keeping you healthy and energized throughout the hot months. Incorporate these recipes into your diet and enjoy the cooling and rejuvenating benefits of these delicious soups.