Revitalize Your Health with This Delightful Eel Soup Recipe!
Eel soup, also known as huai shan tang in Chinese, is a traditional and nutritious dish that has been cherished for generations. Made from eels, this soup is believed to boost the immune system, improve blood circulation, and enhance overall well-being. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making this delicious and healthy eel soup. Get ready to indulge in the goodness of this timeless delicacy!
Ingredients:
1. Fresh eels: 500g
2. Pork bones: 500g
3. Chinese yam: 200g
4. Dried dates: 30g
5. Goji berries: 30g
6. Astragalus root: 10g
7. Chinese angelica root: 10g
8. Rock sugar: 50g
9. Salt: to taste
10. Water: 2 liters
Instructions:
1. Clean the eels: Start by cleaning the eels thoroughly. Remove the scales, gills, and intestines. Rinse them under cold water until clean.
2. Boil the eels: In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add the cleaned eels and boil for about 5 minutes. This step helps to remove any impurities. Remove the eels from the pot and set them aside.
3. Prepare the pork bones: Clean the pork bones and rinse them under cold water. In a separate pot, bring water to a boil and add the pork bones. Boil for 10 minutes to remove impurities, then remove the bones from the pot and set them aside.
4. Soak the herbs: In a bowl, soak the dried dates, goji berries, astragalus root, and Chinese angelica root in warm water for about 30 minutes. This will help to extract their nutrients.
5. Cook the soup: In a large pot, add the cleaned eels, pork bones, and water. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Add the soaked herbs, Chinese yam, and rock sugar to the pot.
6. Simmer the soup: Let the soup simmer for about 2 hours, or until the eels are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Add salt to taste towards the end of the cooking process.
7. Serve: Once the soup is ready, strain it to remove any impurities. Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions or cilantro if desired.
Health benefits:
1. Boosts the immune system: Eels are rich in vitamins A and B12, which help to strengthen the immune system and protect against infections.
2. Improves blood circulation: The combination of eels and Chinese herbs, such as Chinese angelica root and astragalus root, promotes blood circulation and helps to alleviate cold hands and feet.
3. Enhances overall well-being: This eel soup is believed to improve digestion, increase energy levels, and provide a general sense of well-being.
By following this recipe, you can enjoy a nourishing and flavorful eel soup that will leave you feeling rejuvenated and revitalized. So, don't hesitate to try this traditional dish and savor the health benefits it has to offer!