Pork Ribs and Watercress Soup

BENEFITS:

Helps speed up detoxification processes, clears heat in the body and nourishes the lungs. Watercress is high in vitamin C and antioxidants, also rich in vitamin E and is a natural antibiotic. Goji berries are great for the kidneys, liver & eyes/vision.

Slow-cooked pork bone soups are rich in nutritional constituents that promote strength, tonify blood, and help to prevent bone and connective tissue disorders. it is a good source of iron, zinc, Vitamin B6 and protein.

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 1-½ pounds pork bones or ribs – (can substitute with mushroom broth)
• ¾ lbs. (3 big bunches) watercress, ends trimmed, then roughly cut
• ½ cup Goji berries, rinsed then soaked in a bowl of water till slightly puffy
• 5 slices of fresh ginger root (peeled)
• 3 liters (13 cups) water

Optional:

• 2 tablespoons dried sweet (northern) & bitter (southern) apricots kernels; and
• 4-5 dried honey dates – sold in Chinese grocery stores
• salt to taste

Preparation:

1. Blanch pork ribs in boiling water for about 5 minutes, to remove the scum so that you have clear soup later. discard the water.
2. Put water, blanched pork ribs and fresh ginger root in a stock pot, bring it to a boil and cook over medium-high heat for 30 minutes.
3. add watercress, goji berries, apricot kernels (optioinal) & honey dates (optioinal), then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 1-½ hour. (Do not add any cold water to the pot during the cooking process. It will affect the energy & nutrition of the soup)
4. season with the salt and remove from the heat.

Serve hot in individual serving bowls. enjoy!