
Although this cheap type of Dried Cordyceps can't compare much to those actual Dong Chong Xia Cao(冬虫夏草), but they do sever some of the purpose like the actual type. Cordyceps has many medicinal uses: it replenishes energy, alleviates cough, expels phlegm, relieves lower back pain and aching joints. It is truly a healthy supplement for all ages. No wonder it has always been highly valued by herbalists.
Huai Shan, Shanyao or Chinese Burdock, a totally different root known as Dioscoreae. When dried, it takes on a white chalky appearance, and is most often used in Chinese Herbal tonic soups.

Ingredients:
1 Chinese Burdock Root(Huai Shan, 淮山)
1 Tablespoon Wolfberries(枸杞子)
6 Red Dates (红枣)
2 Chicken Drumsticks/2 Chicken Breast
1 Small Carrot
1 Small Handful Of Dried Cordyceps Stems,干冬虫草(about 10-15 pieces)
Methods:
1. Peel the Chinese Burdock root and cut into thick section.
2. Peel and slice carrots into small section.
3. Blanch the chicken quickly in hot water to remove surface fat, rinse and set a side.
4. Rinse the Woldberries, Red Date and Cordyceps with water and set aside.
5. Place all the ingredients in a pot with about 1.5 litres of water and bring to boil.
6. Simmer on medium heat for about 15 minutes then transfer to a slow-cooker and simmer on High Heat 1 hour and switch to Low Heat for another 2-3 hours.
7. Ladle soup into a big bowl and serve hot with some salt if u prefer.
Notes: You will find that peeling the Huai Shan is a slippery business but once the skin is off, the root secretes a healing enzyme and it is this which makes this root so good for health.

Your soup look deliciousssss!
ReplyDeleteI must give it a try.
One observation is that, I heard
that tonic soup should not include
carrots or radish. Maybe you would
like to check that out.
Hi Melissa,
ReplyDeleteThanks for dropping by my blog. Yup.. i knew u can't eat carrot or bean while drinking tonic soup like ginseng...but for this soup, i actually used the dried cordyceps stems so it's actually not a tonic soup.. just a healthy daily soup... :)
Will the soup taste bitter as cordyceps are use?
ReplyDeleteI'm making this soap for tonight dinner and now is it has been in the slow cooker for slightly more than an hour, as I'm writing this. I tried and it was good! Added some salt and I'm sure my family will like it. Tks Ellena. I got to know your website thru a colleague.
ReplyDeleteRina Tan
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