Cooling and Healthy Exploring Summer Herbal Soups and Dishes

Summer, the season of heat and humidity, calls for refreshing and nutritious meals that not only satisfy our taste buds but also nourish our bodies. Herbal soups and dishes have always been a popular choice during the warmer months, offering a cooling effect while providing essential nutrients and medicinal benefits. In this article, we will explore some delightful summer herbal soups and dishes that can help you stay cool and healthy throughout the season.

1. Licorice Root Soup

Licorice root, also known as mao ting zhen in Chinese, is a versatile herb with cooling properties that help alleviate heat and dryness in the body. This soup is perfect for those suffering from summer heatstroke or dry throat.

Ingredients:

- 1/2 lb of beef or chicken

- 1/2 lb of carrots

- 1/2 lb of radish

- 1/2 lb of lotus root

- 1/2 lb of tofu skin

- 1/2 lb of taro

- 2 pieces of licorice root

- Salt to taste

- Water

Instructions:

1. Clean and cut the beef or chicken into bite-sized pieces.

2. Peel and cut the carrots, radish, lotus root, and taro into similar sizes.

3. Soak the tofu skin in water for 20 minutes, then cut into strips.

4. Wash the licorice root and cut into pieces.

5. Bring water to a boil, then add the beef or chicken, carrots, radish, lotus root, and tofu skin.

6. Simmer for 30 minutes, then add the licorice root and taro.

7. Cook for another 20 minutes, season with salt, and serve.

2. Fresh Water Melon Soup

Watermelon is a hydrating fruit that helps keep the body cool and replenish lost fluids during summer. This soup is a refreshing and healthy choice for those who enjoy a light meal.

Ingredients:

- 1/2 lb of watermelon flesh

- 1 cup of rice

- 1/2 cup of red dates

- 1/4 cup of goji berries

- 1/4 cup of honey

- Water

Instructions:

1. Cut the watermelon flesh into cubes and set aside.

2. Wash the rice, red dates, and goji berries.

3. Bring water to a boil, then add the rice, red dates, and goji berries.

4. Cook for 20 minutes, then add the watermelon flesh.

5. Simmer for another 10 minutes, stir in the honey, and serve.

3. Green Bean and Mushroom Stir-Fry

Green beans and mushrooms are both cooling ingredients that help alleviate heat in the body. This stir-fry is a delicious and healthy dish that can be enjoyed throughout the summer.

Ingredients:

- 1/2 lb of green beans

- 1/2 lb of mushrooms

- 2 cloves of garlic

- 1/2 cup of bamboo shoots

- 1/4 cup of soy sauce

- 1/4 cup of sesame oil

- 1/4 cup of sugar

- Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Clean and chop the green beans, mushrooms, and bamboo shoots.

2. Peel and finely chop the garlic.

3. Heat a pan over medium heat, add the sesame oil, and sauté the garlic until fragrant.

4. Add the green beans, mushrooms, and bamboo shoots, stir-fry for 3-4 minutes.

5. Add the soy sauce, sugar, and salt, stir well, and cook for another 3-4 minutes.

6. Serve hot.

These summer herbal soups and dishes are not only delicious but also offer numerous health benefits. Incorporate them into your summer diet to stay cool and healthy while enjoying the flavors of the season.