Hubei Pork Rib and Lotus Root Soup

排骨藕汤

Hubei Pork Rib and Lotus Root Soup — Soup & Cold DishesWuhan, Hubei home cooking.

Ingredients

• pork spare ribs (cut into 4-cm pieces)
• fresh lotus root
• ginger
• water

Instructions

1. Rinse ribs and place in a large pot with cold water. Bring to a boil, then simmer 3 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water. (Water turns pale pink with fine gray foam on surface)
2. Peel lotus root, slice 0.5 cm thick, and soak in vinegar-water (1 tsp vinegar per 2 cups water) for 10 minutes to prevent browning. (Slices retain creamy-white color with no gray edges)
3. Return ribs to clean pot. Add ginger, lotus root, and water. Bring to a gentle boil, then lower heat to bare simmer. (Tiny bubbles rise singly from bottom, no rolling surface motion)
4. Simmer uncovered for 2 hours, skimming foam occasionally. After 1.5 hours, add 1 tsp salt. (Broth turns creamy ivory with tender rib edges curling slightly)
5. Taste and adjust salt. Serve hot, with ribs, lotus root, and broth — no garnish needed. (Broth coats spoon lightly and glistens with natural fat sheen)