Unblock Your Chi A Healing Hot Pot Soup Recipe to Banish Dampness
Are you feeling sluggish, heavy, and just not quite yourself? It might be time to tackle the root of your discomfort with a traditional Chinese remedy: dampness. Dampness, or damp-qi in Chinese medicine, refers to a condition where excess moisture accumulates in the body, leading to symptoms like fatigue, joint pain, and a lack of energy. One of the most effective ways to combat dampness is through the power of food, and what better way to do so than with a steaming bowl of hot pot? Here’s a recipe for a healing hot pot soup that will help you unblock your chi and leave you feeling refreshed and revitalized.
Ingredients:
For the Soup Base:
- 2 liters of water
- 1/2 cup of dried goji berries
- 1/2 cup of dried mushrooms (such as shiitake, enoki, or oyster mushrooms)
- 1 piece of fresh ginger (about 4 inches long)
- 4 slices of fresh turmeric root
- 1/2 teaspoon of star anise
- 2 whole cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon of Sichuan peppercorns
- 1 teaspoon of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of sake
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Damp-Busting Vegetables:
- 2 leeks, sliced
- 2 zucchinis, sliced
- 1 cup of lotus root, sliced
- 1 cup of winter melon, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup of radishes, sliced
- 1 cup of bamboo shoots, sliced
- 1 cup of green beans, trimmed
For the Damp-Busting Proteins:
- 200g of beef slices (or any protein of your choice)
- 200g of tofu, cubed
- 100g of shiitake mushrooms, sliced
- 100g of enoki mushrooms
For Seasoning:
- 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon of rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon of minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon of grated ginger
- 1/4 cup of green onions, chopped
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Soup Base:
- Begin by bringing the water to a boil in a large pot. Add the dried goji berries, mushrooms, ginger, turmeric, star anise, cloves, and Sichuan peppercorns. Simmer for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
2. Add the Soup Base Ingredients:
- After simmering, add the soy sauce, sake, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning to your preference.
3. Prepare the Vegetables and Proteins:
- While the soup is simmering, prepare your damp-busting vegetables and proteins. Slice the leeks, zucchinis, lotus root, winter melon, radishes, bamboo shoots, and green beans.
- Slice the beef into thin strips and marinate with the sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger.
- Cube the tofu and slice the shiitake and enoki mushrooms.
4. Cook the Hot Pot:
- Once the soup is ready, divide it among your serving bowls.
- Add the prepared vegetables and proteins to the hot pot. Allow the ingredients to cook in the bubbling broth until they are tender and heated through.
5. Serve:
- Garnish with chopped green onions and serve with your favorite dipping sauces.
- Enjoy your damp-busting hot pot and let the healing powers of Chinese medicine work their magic!
This damp-busting hot pot soup is not only delicious but also packed with the nutrients needed to combat excess moisture in the body. Enjoy your meal and feel the energy of your chi unblocking as you savor each bite.
