Revitalize Your Summer with a Traditional Shantou Health-Booster Soup A Step-by-Step Guide

In the scorching summer heat of Shantou, Guangdong Province, the locals have a time-honored tradition of sipping on a refreshing and rejuvenating soup known as the Shantou Summer Health-Booster Soup. This traditional dish, rich in both flavor and health benefits, is a staple in the diet of many Shantou residents during the hot season. In this article, we'll delve into the art of crafting this delightful soup and explore its healthful ingredients that make it a must-try for anyone looking to beat the summer heat and stay healthy.

What Makes Shantou Summer Health-Booster Soup Special?

The Shantou Summer Health-Booster Soup is not just a culinary delight; it is a medicinal potion designed to nourish the body and mind during the sweltering summer months. It's made with a combination of fresh ingredients that are known for their cooling properties, such as ginseng, lotus seeds, and goji berries, which help to invigorate the body and boost the immune system.

Ingredients for Shantou Summer Health-Booster Soup:

- Fresh pork belly or chicken (for a milder flavor, choose pork)

- Chinese yam

- Goji berries (Wuweizi)

- Red dates (Hongzao)

- Chinese yam (Shanyao)

- Lotus seeds (Lianzi)

- Dried longan (Shuizhi)

- Ginseng (Ren Shen)

- Astragalus root (Huangqi)

- A small piece of ginger

- Water

- Salt to taste

How to Make Shantou Summer Health-Booster Soup:

1. Prepare the Ingredients:

- Begin by washing the pork belly or chicken, and then cut it into bite-sized pieces.

- Peel the Chinese yam and cut it into thick slices.

- Rinse the goji berries, red dates, and dried longan.

- Wash the lotus seeds and ginseng. Soak the ginseng for about 30 minutes to rehydrate it.

- Cut the ginger into thin slices.

2. Boil the Meat:

- In a large pot, bring enough water to a boil. Add the pork or chicken and a small piece of ginger.

- Boil for about 5 minutes to remove any impurities. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface.

- Turn off the heat and drain the water. Rinse the meat thoroughly.

3. Simmer the Soup:

- Place the pot back on the stove and fill it with fresh water. Add the pork or chicken, goji berries, red dates, Chinese yam, lotus seeds, dried longan, ginseng, and astragalus root.

- Bring the water to a boil again, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer.

- Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the meat and vegetables are tender.

4. Add the Final Touches:

- Once the soup is ready, taste it for salt and add as needed.

- Add the remaining ginger slices for added flavor.

- Continue to simmer for another 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

5. Serve:

- Remove the pot from the heat and let it sit for a few minutes.

- Ladle the soup into serving bowls and enjoy it while it's still warm.

Health Benefits of Shantou Summer Health-Booster Soup:

The Shantou Summer Health-Booster Soup offers a multitude of health benefits, including:

- Boosts Immune System: The combination of ginseng and goji berries can help strengthen the immune system, making it a great way to ward off summer colds and flus.

- Improves Digestion: The Chinese yam and lotus seeds are known to aid digestion and promote a healthy gut.

- Enhances Energy: Red dates are rich in iron and can help boost energy levels, making it a perfect pick-me-up for those long summer days.

- Regulates Body Temperature: The cooling properties of the ingredients help to regulate body temperature and reduce the heat of summer.

In conclusion, the Shantou Summer Health-Booster Soup is a delightful and healthful way to beat the summer heat. Its combination of cooling ingredients and traditional Chinese medicine properties make it a must-try for anyone looking to maintain their well-being during the hot season. So, the next time you find yourself sweltering in the summer sun, why not try your hand at making this rejuvenating soup and savor its cooling and revitalizing benefits?