Lotus Root Soup with Pork Recipe 

Lotus root soup is a beloved comfort dish in many Asian households. It’s light yet deeply nourishing, with a natural sweetness that comes from simmered lotus roots and pork. This soup is also incredibly easy-going – you can keep it simple with just lotus root and pork ribs, or dress it up with a variety of wholesome add-ins like red dates, goji berries, mushrooms, and seaweed.

Lotus root is a traditional cooking ingredient in Asia, especially in countries where lotus plants grow naturally. Ever since I was a child, my mom often cooked dishes using various parts of the lotus, from lotus seeds and lotus stems to lotus roots. Among them, lotus root seems to be the most versatile, used in dishes like lotus root salad, stir-fried lotus root, crispy fried lotus root, and especially lotus root soup with pork.

There are many variations of this soup, mainly differing in the type of pork and the supporting ingredients. You can use pork ribs cut into bite-sized pieces, pork cartilage (also called soft ribs), or even ground pork. Among these, lotus root soup with pork ribs is the most common. The ribs and lotus roots are simmered until very tender, resulting in a naturally sweet and fragrant broth.

In addition to lotus root, you can freely add any vegetables, nuts, or ingredients you like, such as carrots, peanuts, red dates, goji berries, lotus seeds, etc. For soups like this, I especially love adding a bit of dried red dates and goji berries to deepen and enrich the flavor.

Ingredients for Lotus Root Soup

This is a flexible recipe – feel free to adjust quantities and ingredients based on what you have on hand. Below is a well-rounded version:

• 300g (10 oz) pork ribs
• 2 lotus root
• 1 carrot
• 5-10 Dried red dates
• 1 small handful of goji berries
• 300g (10 oz) (optional) king oyster mushrooms or shiitake mushrooms
• 1L (4 cups) water
• Green onion and cilantro (for garnish)
• Seasonings: Salt and pepper to taste

📝 Note: At its simplest, the soup can be made with just pork ribs and lotus root. But for a richer, more aromatic broth, consider adding dried fruits, mushrooms, and herbs.

How to Make Lotus Root Soup With Pork

Step 1. Simmer the Pork Ribs

• Start by thoroughly rinsing the pork ribs or pork cartilage. To ensure a clean broth, blanch them quickly in boiling water for 1 minute, then rinse again.
• Transfer the pork to a clean pot, fill with water to cover, and bring to a gentle boil. Lower the heat and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes. The longer you simmer, the more tender and flavorful the pork will be.

Step 2. Prepare the Other Ingredients

While the pork is simmering:

• Cut the carrots into bite-sized chunks.

• Soak the dried red dates, goji berries, and shiitake mushrooms in water until they rehydrate.

• Peel and slice the lotus roots into rounds or half-moons. Important: Lotus roots oxidize quickly, so soak them in lightly salted water right after peeling. Alternatively, add them immediately to the simmering soup pot to prevent discoloration.

Step 3. Combine Everything

• After the pork has simmered for at least 30 minutes, add the lotus roots, red dates, goji berries, and mushrooms to the pot. Continue to simmer gently for another 15–20 minutes.
• If you prefer a deeply tender and aromatic soup, you can continue simmering for up to 1–2 hours. Towards the end, add in the carrot chunks and cook for another 15–20 minutes – carrots cook faster and can become too soft if added too early.

Step 4. Final Seasoning and Serving

• Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and a little pepper. Once you’re happy with the flavor, turn off the heat.
• Before serving, sprinkle chopped green onion and cilantro on top for a fresh herbal touch.

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