The Arrow Root soup, or 粉葛湯 (fěn gé tāng), is very healthy and is a great compliment to any meal! Boasting high in fibre and belonging to the “neutral” effect in Chinese medication, it is ideal for hot days when the body is more “heaty” and the ingredients are known to be good for the heart. It is sweet and pleasant to drink.
Arrow Root Soup
Ingredients:
1. 600g- 1kg of Pork Ribs
2. 3 tbs 赤小豆/chì xiăo dòu/Dark Red Little Bean/Aduki Beans that you can get from most local provision stores or Chinese medicinal stores.
3. 8 red dates. (Seedless)
4. Medium sized Arrow Root. It is best to choose the ones when the surface appears more smooth to allow easier peeling/skinning.
Instructions:
1. Prepare a pot of 3/4 boiling water.
2. Soak the Red dates and beans in water for a few mins. I use the strainer to assist me with this. Then strain and set aside.
3. Peel or skin the Arrow Root.
4.
Cut into chunks and then soak the pieces in water and set aside.
5. Wash the pork ribs and soak in hot water for around 5 - 10mins to remove the blood. Then take the ribs and rinse and wash with cold water.
6. When the 3/4 pot of boiling water is boiling well, add in the pork ribs, the red dates and beans.
7. Cover the pot and let the pot boil for 2 - 3 hrs.
Tip: When boiling soup, always best to use medium fire.
8. Then after that, season with some salt to taste.
It is done!