Apple and Lean Meat Soup for Dietary Therapy and Health Preservation
Ingredients: 2 apples, 1 pound lean meat, 4 figs, 5 ounces southern apricot kernels, 4 ounces northern apricot kernels, 2 ounces silver ear fungus
Silver Ear Fungus
Benefits: Moistens lungs, generates body fluids, nourishes yin, and soothes the stomach. Note: Choose silver ear fungus with a slight yellow hue—excessively white varieties may have been bleached.
Figs
Benefits: Moistens lungs, generates body fluids, nourishes yin, and soothes the stomach. Note: When using figs in soup, cut them in half to enhance their efficacy.
Southern Apricot Kernels & Northern Apricot Kernels
Benefits: Moistens lungs, stops coughing, and resolves phlegm.
Note: Northern apricot kernels are slightly bitter, so when combined with southern apricot kernels, use a smaller proportion.
Preparation:
1. Wash all ingredients. Core and cut apples into quarters.
2. Soak silver ear fungus in water until soft. Split figs open or halve them.
3. Cut lean meat into large chunks, blanch in boiling water to remove odor and blood, then drain.
4. Place all ingredients—including apples and meat—into a soup pot filled with water up to eight-tenths full. Bring to a boil, then simmer over low heat for 3–4 hours. Add silver ear fungus 2 hours before turning off the heat.