Conch, Cuttlefish, and Lotus Root Soup

Discover how to make Conch, Cuttlefish, and Lotus Root Soup, a nutritious and flavorful traditional Chinese dish. Packed with health benefits, this soup nourishes the blood, tones the kidneys, and delights the palate. Perfect for wellness-focused foodies!

Introduction

Chinese cuisine is known for its rich and varied flavors, often complemented by its health benefits. Among its extensive repertoire is a nutritious and tasty soup made with an assortment of ingredients that include conch, cuttlefish, and lotus root, among other elements. This soup not only bursts with flavors but also comes packed with health benefits, from nourishing the blood to strengthening the kidneys. Let’s dive into the making of this delectable and healthful dish.

Ingredients

• 1 dried cuttlefish
• 2–3 conchs
• 1 lotus root
• 1 fresh Chinese yam
• A handful of pork soft bones
• A handful of black beans
• A handful of eyebrow beans (hyacinth beans)
• A handful of lotus seeds
• 4–5 red dates
• A small portion of longan meat
• 2–3 fresh figs
• 1 small tangerine peel
• 2 slices of fresh ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons vinegar
• Soy flour for cleaning

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation

1. Soak the Seafood: Pre-soak the dried cuttlefish and conchs in water for about two hours.
2. Clean the Conchs: Use fresh water to rinse the surface of the conchs thoroughly.
3. Clean the Cuttlefish: Prepare a solution of water and soy flour. Use it to clean the surface of the cuttlefish.
4. Cuttlefish Preparation: Remove the hard part at the bottom, known as the mouth. Slice the rest into several pieces. Remember, even the bone of the cuttlefish is useful as it nourishes the blood.
5. Prepare the Lotus Root: Peel and cut the lotus root into several pieces. Since it grows in the soil, make sure to wash it thoroughly. Soak it in water with two tablespoons of vinegar for 15 minutes, followed by a rinse in soy flour water.
6. Prepare Other Ingredients: Soak black beans, lotus seeds, and eyebrow beans until they soften. Remove the seeds from red dates and the core from lotus seeds. Scrape off the sticky parts from the tangerine peel. Wash all these ingredients thoroughly with fresh water.

Cooking the Soup

1. Toast the Black Beans: Dry-toast the black beans in a wok until they pop and release a fragrant aroma.
2. Prepare Pork Soft Bones: Blanch the pork soft bones in boiling water with two slices of ginger to remove impurities. Then wash them with fresh water.
3. Assemble and Boil: In a large pot, combine all the prepared ingredients: lotus root, cuttlefish, conchs, soft bones, black beans, eyebrow beans, Chinese yam, lotus seeds, figs (cut into two pieces), red dates, longan meat, tangerine peel, and ginger slices. Add two bowls of room-temperature water.
4. Cooking Time: Bring the pot to a boil over high heat. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for approximately 2.5 hours.
5. Seasoning: Once the soup has simmered to perfection, add 1/2 teaspoon of salt for taste. You can check the doneness of the conchs by trying to pierce them with a chopstick; if they are soft, they’re ready.

Conclusion

This Conch, Cuttlefish, and Lotus Root Soup is more than just a sumptuous treat; it’s a medley of flavors and health benefits. From nourishing your blood to toning your kidneys, this soup is not just food, but also medicine in a bowl. And the best part? It’s incredibly delicious. Your hearty and healthful soup is now ready to be served and enjoyed!