Black Bean Soup 黑豆汤

In terms of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), black beans are known for their ability to tonify kidneys, nourish the yin, strengthen and nourishes blood, brighten eyes, promote diuresis, and aids kidney deficiency.
It is one of our family’s favorite soup since young.

Ingredients:
(Serving enough for 4-5 pax)

500g spare ribs/soup ribs
1 dried octopus
1 rice bowl of black beans
1 rice bowl of groundnuts
300g lotus root
2 honey dates
10 red dates
2L water
8 cloves garlic
Salt to taste (if preferred)

Directions:
1) In a pot of boiling water, blanch pork ribs to remove scum and grit. Discard the water and rinse well.
2) Put all ingredients in a stockpot.
3) Bring to a boil for about 15mins before simmering it for another 1.5hr.
4) Season with salt if required.
5) Serve hot.