Seven-Treasure Soup for Spring Awakening
Ingredients
- adjust according to servings celery
- adjust according to servings white radish
- adjust according to servings Chinese chives
- adjust according to servings cilantro
- adjust according to servings lily bulb
- adjust according to servings garlic
- adjust according to servings scallions
- ginger
- cooking oil
- soy sauce
- salt
- starch
Instructions
- Each of the seven ingredients carries symbolic meaning for the new spring. Celery represents diligence and prosperity — cooling in nature, it clears heat and supports liver detox. White radish stands for purity — pungent and cooling, it clears heat, aids digestion, and fights respiratory viruses. Lily bulb and garlic together symbolize harmony — lily bulb nourishes yin and calms the mind, while garlic is warming and detoxifying. Cilantro represents going with the flow — its aromatic warmth awakens the spleen and unblocks yang energy. Scallions symbolize wisdom — warming and dispersing, they invigorate blood circulation. Chinese chives represent lasting wealth — warming, they tonify kidney yang and strengthen bones. Together, these seven flavors balance warming and cooling energies, helping clear winter's cold and festive indulgences, ushering in spring's renewal.
- Prepare the ingredients: Wash all seven ingredients thoroughly and cut into small pieces.
- Heat oil in a pot, sauté ginger slices until fragrant, then stir-fry white radish to remove excess moisture. Add a splash of soy sauce to season, then pour in plenty of water.
- Once the radish comes to a boil, add lily bulb and celery. Continue simmering for 3 minutes.
- Add Chinese chives and bring back to a boil.
- Add starch water in 2-3 batches, stirring until the soup thickens.
- Add garlic, scallions, and cilantro.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.
