Lotus Root & Pork Soup

🥘 Ingredients

• pork ribs or pork neck bones 2 pounds
• dried seaweed (kelp/kombu) 1 cup
• lotus root 1 pound
• ginger 4 slices
• dried goji berries 1 tablespoon
• dried tangerine peel
• dried toasted octopus, squid, or scallops
• cold water 12 cups
• salt
• scallion 1

1. 1

   Soak pork ribs or pork neck bones in cold water for 1 hour . Rinse thoroughly, drain, and set aside.
2. 2

   Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add pork bones to blanch. Once water returns to a boil, cook for 1 minute . Drain and rinse bones clean.
3. 3

   If including seaweed: soak dried seaweed (kelp/kombu) in water for at least 3 hours, or overnight. Once rehydrated, wash in a basin of water until completely clear. Drain and set aside.
4. 4

   Just before starting the soup, peel lotus root and cut into large chunks.
5. 5

   In a large stock pot , combine the blanched pork, lotus root, rehydrated seaweed (if using), ginger , dried goji berries , dried tangerine peel , dried toasted octopus, squid, or scallops , and cold water .
6. 6

   Bring to a boil, then immediately reduce to a slow simmer. Cover and simmer for at least 4 hours — the longer, the better.
7. 7

   Season with salt to taste. Ladle into bowls and top with scallion .