Sep 032012
 
West Lake Beef Soup - Gratifying and Flavorsome

Besides the Hot and Sour Soup, the West Lake Beef Soup (西湖牛肉羹) is probably the next most common soup found in Chinese restaurants in the US. Although the ingredients for this soup are simple, the West Lake Beef Soup is both gratifying and flavorsome – with a rich, mellow taste and a silky smooth mouth feel. The West Lake Beef Soup is a popular local dish of the mountainous ZheJiang (浙江) Chinese province, where the famous West Lake is located. One secret to making a soft, smooth West Lake Beef Soup is [Read More...]

Nov 282011
 
Longan and Dried Figs Pork Soup

For those who celebrate Thanksgiving, I hope you had a warm and wonderful holiday weekend! I enjoyed my time off with my husband eating and relaxing.  We also took a day hike at Mountain Diablo.  From the top of the summit there, at about 3,900 ft above sea level, we can see all the way to the [Read More...]

Oct 182011
 
Burdock Daikon Carrot Pork Soup

It has been a while since I last made a soup with Burdock Root, 牛蒡 (also called Gobo or just Burdock).  While this root is literally the foundation for a common weed that some find pesky, burdock root is known in several Asian food cultures to have cancer fighting abilities and health benefits.  Europeans have also used this [Read More...]

Oct 132011
 
Potato and Tomato Onion Fish Soup

I have a fish craze lately, prompted by my recent milky white Bok Choy Fish Head Tofu Soup (白菜魚頭豆腐湯). It was so delicious and so easy to make that I wanted to make and share another fish soup recipe with you. Besides, fish is so healthy for us. They are a great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids that are essential to the healthy function of our brain and heart. This soup is delicious and it is nourishing for the body too, making it a great soup for both young and old. [Read More ...]

Sep 282011
 
Pumpkin Carrot and Corn Pork Soup

If you like Japanese kabocha pumpkin like I do, this is the best time of the year to enjoy them.  Although kabocha pumpkins are available year-round, they are at their best now in the late summer / early fall season.  When picking a kabocha pumpkin, look for ones with a dark green skin and a dry corky [Read More...]

Sep 102011
 
Bok Choy Fish Head Tofu Soup

Fish head soup had not always been a favorite of mine. I even thought it was gross when I was younger, making remarks like “Eeeww! Fish heads are so nasty looking.”  Granted, a fish head was not the most aesthetically pleasing sight when it comes to food, whether live or cooked. And even though the best part [Read More...]

Jul 282011
 
Mustard Greens with Straw Mushroom and Tofu Soup

With little time to spare in the kitchen lately, I have to flip through my mental recipe rolodex more meticulously to come up with a tasty soup that is fast and easy to make. Undoubtedly, I got the perfect idea. In 35 minutes, I made this delicious healthy vegetable soup that is naturally low fat, low calorie, and gluten-free. [Read More...]

May 252011
 
Chinese Yam and Goji Pumpkin Pork Soup

  This easy-to-make soup recipe is both remarkably delightful to the palette and nutritiously beneficial for our health.  My mother made this Chinese Yam and Goji Pumpkin Pork Soup for the family one evening and it quickly became the highlight of that dinner.  We love this soup from Mom, and I hope you will enjoy her recipe [Read More...]

May 122011
 
Watercress Tofu Dried Oyster Soup

With a cancer-fighting and superfood reputation long associated to its name, the small leafy watercress sure do pack an abundance of antioxidants, minerals, and phytochemicals to deliver on those health functions. Watercress also provides a power punch of vitamin A, C, E and K, calcium, iron, and potassium.  The brimming essential nutrients offered by this little plant [Read More...]