Codonopsis Sparerib Soup - Chinese Herbal Recipes. Codonopsis Root ( dang shen 黨參 ) is known to inhibit fatigue, promote blood cell formation and tonify the spleen, stomach and lungs. Glehnia Root ( sha shen 沙參 ) is used for nourishing the lungs and clearing the body heat, while Solomon's Seal ( yu zhu 玉竹 ) is used for healing bruises and stomach disorders. Together, these herbs help to improve the overall body functions, speed up the recovery from internal injuries, or cough and cold due to accumulated body heat. However, those who have not fully recovered from these illnesses should avoid drinking this soup.
3 litres (12 cups) water
20 gm Codonopsis Root ( dang shen 黨參 ), rinsed
20 gm Solomon's Seal ( yu zhu 玉竹 ), rinsed
20 gm Glehnia Root ( sha shen 沙參 ), rinsed
15 gm (½ cup) dried lily bulb ( bai he 百合 ), rinsed
1 slice dried tangerine peel ( chen pi 陳皮 ), soaked in water until soft
300 gm lotus roots, peeled and thickly sliced
500 gm spareribs, rinsed and scalded with boiling water
1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
Bring the water to a boil in a stockpot. Add all the ingredients, except the salt, and cook over high heat for 20 minutes. Reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for 2 hours. Season with the salt and remove from the heat. Ladle the hot soup to individual serving bowls and serve immediately.