Soul-Soothing Sweet Potato and Mustard Green Immunity Soup
Infused with the traditional wisdom of Chinese cooking, this comforting Sweet Potato and Mustard Green Immunity Soup is your perfect ally during cold and flu season. Rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants, this soothing concoction harnesses the natural healing properties of broad leaf mustard greens and the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes. Long simmered to extract maximum flavor and nutritional benefits, the soup becomes an elixir that warms both body and spirit. While tradition suggests cooking for three hours to extract every essence, a one-hour simmer is sufficient to achieve a delightful balance of flavors. Optional pork adds depth, but the natural components shine on their own, making it a simple yet revitalizing choice for the ailing or anyone seeking nourishment.
4
Servings
62.5
Calories
3
Ingredients
Ingredients
Broad leaf mustard greens
1 lb (Washed and cut into 1-inch pieces)
Sweet potato
1 large (Peeled and cut into large chunks)
Water
6 cups (N/A)
Instructions
1
Thoroughly wash the broad leaf mustard greens in several changes of cold water, ensuring to remove any grit or dirt. Once you're satisfied with the cleanliness, rinse them one more time.
2
Trim the mustard greens into bite-sized pieces, about 1 inch in length. Peel the sweet potato and cut it into large chunks for a hearty texture.
3
In a large pot, combine the mustard greens, sweet potato chunks, and 6 cups of water. Bring the mixture to a vigorous boil over high heat.
4
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot, allowing the soup to gently simmer. For optimal flavor, simmer for at least 1 hour (though up to 3 hours is recommended for a richer essence). Stir occasionally and adjust cooking time based on your taste preference.
5
After simmering, check the sweet potato for tenderness. The softening sweet potato will dissolve and sweeten the broth. Once reached, ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. Optionally, add small bits of pork and a touch of salt for added flavor.
Nutrition Information
0.25g
Fat
15g
Carbs
1.25g
Protein
2.5g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Soul-Soothing Sweet Potato and Mustard Green Immunity Soup?
It is a comforting soup infused with traditional Chinese cooking wisdom, designed to be a perfect ally during the cold and flu season.
What are the primary health benefits of this soup?
The soup is rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants, harnessing the natural healing properties of mustard greens and sweet potatoes.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields 4 servings.
What are the main ingredients required?
The ingredients include 1 lb of broad leaf mustard greens, 1 large sweet potato, and 6 cups of water.
How should I prepare the mustard greens?
Thoroughly wash them in several changes of cold water to remove grit, then trim them into 1-inch bite-sized pieces.
Do I need to peel the sweet potato?
Yes, the sweet potato should be peeled and then cut into large chunks.
What is the recommended simmering time?
While a 1-hour simmer is sufficient, simmering for up to 3 hours is recommended to extract the maximum flavor and essence.
Is this soup suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the base recipe is vegetarian, though pork can be added optionally for extra depth.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 62.5 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
This soup is very low in fat, containing only 0.25g per serving.
How much protein does this soup provide?
Each serving contains 1.25g of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 15g of carbohydrates per serving.
Is there a lot of fiber in this soup?
Yes, there are 2.5g of fiber per serving.
What kind of mustard greens should I use?
The recipe specifically calls for broad leaf mustard greens.
Can I add meat to the soup?
Yes, you can optionally add small bits of pork for added flavor and depth.
How much water is needed for the recipe?
You will need 6 cups of water.
What is the first step in the cooking process?
Combine the mustard greens, sweet potato chunks, and water in a large pot and bring to a vigorous boil.
What heat level should I use for simmering?
Once the soup reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot to simmer.
Why does the sweet potato need to be cut into chunks?
Large chunks provide a hearty texture and eventually dissolve to sweeten the broth.
Do I need to stir the soup while it cooks?
Yes, it is recommended to stir the soup occasionally during the simmering process.
Is this soup good for recovery from illness?
Yes, it is described as a revitalizing choice for the ailing and anyone seeking nourishment.
Can I add salt to the soup?
Yes, salt can be added at the end of the cooking process for extra flavor if desired.
What is the flavor profile of this soup?
It has mild flavors with a natural sweetness derived from the sweet potatoes.
Does the soup contain any cholesterol?
Based on the nutritional data provided, the soup contains no cholesterol.
What happens to the sweet potato during the long simmer?
The sweet potato softens and begins to dissolve, which helps to thicken and sweeten the broth.
Is the soup served hot or cold?
The soup should be ladled into bowls and served hot.
What kind of pot should I use?
A large pot is necessary to accommodate the greens, potatoes, and 6 cups of water.
Are there any specific tags for this recipe?
The recipe is tagged as immunity-boosting, medicinal, healthy, and vegetarian.
Can I adjust the cooking time?
Yes, you can adjust the simmering time based on your personal taste preference.
How do I ensure the mustard greens are clean?
Wash them in several changes of cold water and give them one final rinse after you are satisfied they are free of grit.