Cool Your Lungs This Summer A Refreshing Soup to Beat the Heat

As the summer sun beats down, our bodies can become overwhelmed by the heat, leading to discomfort and an increased risk of respiratory issues. To help combat the summer heat and keep your lungs healthy, we've curated a delightful and nourishing soup that will not only cool your body but also soothe your respiratory system. Introducing the Summer Lung-Cooling Soup – a perfect blend of flavors and ingredients designed to beat the heat and keep you feeling refreshed.

Introduction

The Summer Lung-Cooling Soup is a traditional Chinese remedy that focuses on balancing the body's internal heat and promoting respiratory health. Made with a combination of cooling ingredients, this soup is a comforting and healthy way to stay cool during the warmer months. Let's dive into the recipe and discover how you can enjoy this delicious and revitalizing dish.

Ingredients

- 1 lb (450g) chicken breast, boneless and skinless

- 4 cups (1 liter) of water

- 2 pieces of fresh ginger, peeled and sliced

- 10 dates, pitted and halved

- 5 slices of fresh jujube (Chinese dates)

- 3 pieces of dried longan

- 10 pieces of goji berries

- 1/2 cup (125ml) of rock sugar or to taste

- 1 teaspoon of salt (optional)

Instructions

1. Begin by washing the chicken breast and placing it in a large pot.

2. Add the water to the pot and bring it to a boil over high heat.

3. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the chicken simmer for 15 minutes.

4. In the meantime, wash and prepare the remaining ingredients: slice the ginger, halve the dates, and separate the jujube and goji berries.

5. After 15 minutes of simmering, add the ginger slices, dates, jujube, longan, and goji berries to the pot.

6. Simmer the soup for an additional 30 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and the flavors are well combined.

7. Add the rock sugar and salt to taste, then let the soup cool down for a few minutes.

8. Serve the soup warm or chilled, depending on your preference.

Health Benefits

The Summer Lung-Cooling Soup is packed with health benefits that make it a perfect summer dish:

- Cooling Properties: The ingredients in this soup have cooling properties that help lower body temperature and alleviate heat-related discomfort.

- Lung Health: The combination of ginger, dates, and jujube supports respiratory health and helps alleviate symptoms of respiratory issues, such as cough and sore throat.

- Nutritional Value: The chicken provides lean protein, while the dates, jujube, and goji berries offer a variety of vitamins and minerals, including iron, vitamin C, and antioxidants.

Conclusion

This Summer Lung-Cooling Soup is a delightful and nourishing way to stay cool and healthy during the warmer months. By incorporating this traditional Chinese remedy into your summer diet, you can enjoy the flavors and benefits of this refreshing soup. So, gather your ingredients and prepare to beat the heat with this delicious and revitalizing dish!