Lotus roots signify abundance and peanuts signify wealth. That is why lotus root soup (莲藕汤) or Ling Ngau Tong is a MUST have soup during the Chinese New Year. In Chinese medicine, lotus roots are also known to have many benefits like strengthening the body, dispelling heat and improving one’s appetite.
600glotus root, or Lin Ngau (clean, peeled and cut into 1 cm thick)
300gArrowroots, or Fun Kok
500gFree range chicken, remove skin and cut into 4 pieces
100gPeanuts, washed, soaked in water, de-shelled and drained
1pieceCuttlefish, snipped into pieces
4piecesDry scallops, softened
6piecespitted red dates, washed and drained
1tablespoonWolfberries / goji, soaked in water, drained
1.5litrewater
salt, to taste
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Instructions
Blanch the chicken pieces in boiling water. Discard the water and set the chicken aside.
Heat up a soup pot of water. When boiling, add the chicken pieces and all the ingredients.
Bring to a boil, then reduce to medium heat and simmer the soup over low heat for about 1 hour, or until the chicken is fully cooked and lotus roots and peanuts are tender.
Stir and add salt to taste.
Cooking Using Pressure Cooker:
Blanch the chicken pieces in boiling water. Set aside.
In the pressure cooker, add the lotus roots and all ingredients including the salt.
Close the lid tightly.
Bring to a boil ( high heat ). When pressure cooker sounds, reduce the heat to low and cook for another 15 minutes. Then turn off heat. Wait for pressure to be released and it’s ready to be served.