Summer Hydration How to Cook a Warming and Moisture-Relieving Soup to Beat the Heat

As the summer sun beats down on us, the heat and humidity can leave us feeling exhausted and weighed down. One way to combat this is through the art of cooking. A moisture-relieving soup, known as Xu Shi in Chinese, is a perfect summer staple that not only cools down your body but also helps to expel the accumulated dampness from the body. Here's a guide on how to cook a delicious and effective moisture-relieving soup to keep you energized and refreshed throughout the summer.

Understanding the Basics

Moisture-relieving soup is a traditional Chinese remedy that uses a combination of natural ingredients to eliminate dampness and promote overall health. The key ingredients in these soups are often roots, barks, and herbs that are believed to have cooling and drying properties. The most commonly used ingredients include lotus leaves, white fungus, and red dates.

Choosing the Right Ingredients

To make a successful moisture-relieving soup, it's crucial to select the right ingredients. Here's a list of essential ingredients to get you started:

- 1 lotus leaf (Huang Lian)

- 50g of white fungus (Bai Lin)

- 10 red dates (Hong Zao)

- 500ml of chicken or pork bone broth

- 2-3 slices of ginger (Sheng Jiang)

- 2-3 slices of scutellaria baicalensis (Huang Qin)

- Salt to taste

Preparation

1. Rinse the lotus leaf thoroughly and cut it into small pieces.

2. Soak the white fungus in warm water for about 30 minutes until it softens. Then, remove any dirt or impurities and cut it into bite-sized pieces.

3. Rinse the red dates and remove any stems or seeds.

4. Boil the chicken or pork bone broth in a large pot.

5. Add the ginger slices and scutellaria baicalensis to the boiling broth and simmer for about 10 minutes.

Cooking the Soup

1. Once the ginger and scutellaria baicalensis have simmered for 10 minutes, add the lotus leaf pieces, white fungus, and red dates to the broth.

2. Simmer the soup for another 30-40 minutes over low heat. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the ingredients to release their nutrients.

3. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt if necessary.

Serving

Serve the moisture-relieving soup warm. You can enjoy it as a meal or as a light snack to help cool down your body and boost your energy levels.

Benefits of Moisture-Relieving Soup

- Boosts Immune System: The natural ingredients in moisture-relieving soup can help strengthen your immune system, making you less susceptible to summer illnesses.

- Improves Digestion: The cooling properties of the soup can help alleviate digestion issues that are often caused by the summer heat.

- Promotes Sleep: The warm and soothing nature of the soup can help improve your sleep quality, allowing you to wake up feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

- Enhances Skin Health: The moisture-relieving properties of the soup can help improve your skin's texture and reduce acne breakouts caused by dampness.

In conclusion, cooking a moisture-relieving soup is a fantastic way to beat the summer heat and maintain your health. By incorporating the right ingredients and following this simple guide, you'll be able to enjoy a delicious and refreshing meal that will keep you energized and healthy throughout the warm months.