Black Fungus Red Date Soup Recipe

When I was a child, my mother would always cook a pot of black fungus and red dates soup every winter. The sweet taste always warmed my heart. Today, I want to share this warmth with you, so that we can find a sweet comfort in the cold season.

Why I love this recipe:

Black fungus and red dates soup is a dessert soup made with black fungus and red dates as the main ingredients. This soup contains profound health wisdom.

Black fungus, a fungus that parasitizes on dead wood, is rich in iron, calcium, phosphorus, vitamin B1 and other nutrients, and has been regarded as a good product for nourishing the body since ancient times. Red dates are a nourishing ingredient highly praised by traditional Chinese medicine. They are rich in vitamins A, C, E and various minerals, which can harmonize the body, invigorate the spleen and moisturize the skin.

Combining these two ingredients together and boiling them into soup can not only bring out their respective nourishing effects, but also enhance each other to achieve better health effects.

Ingredients Needed and Substitutions

Ingredients needed to make perfect black fungus and red dates soup:

Red Dates: Red dates are sweet and rich in nutrients, adding natural sweetness and aroma.

Black fungus: Black fungus has a crisp taste and rich fiber, which increases the taste and nutritional value.

Rock sugar: Rock sugar provides sweetness to dishes and brings a unique taste and aroma.

Substitutes:

Rock sugar: can be replaced with brown sugar or honey.

Is it safe to eat black fungus?

It is safe to eat black fungus, but there are a few key points to note:

Wash thoroughly: Black fungus needs to be thoroughly washed before eating to remove impurities and sand.

Soak thoroughly: Dried black fungus needs to be soaked thoroughly before use. The soaking time is generally 2-3 hours to ensure that the fungus is fully expanded and softened.

Pay attention to the cooking time: Black fungus should not be cooked for too long to avoid nutrient loss. Generally speaking, it only needs to be cooked for 5-10 minutes.

Eat in moderation: Although black fungus is rich in nutrients, it is recommended to eat it in moderation and avoid excessive intake.

Benefits of black fungus and red dates soup

From a nutritional point of view, black fungus is rich in iron, which is very helpful for replenishing iron and nourishing blood. For some friends who are prone to anemia, drinking this soup can improve the symptoms of anemia to a certain extent. In addition, the dietary fiber of black fungus can promote intestinal peristalsis and help us digest better.

Not to mention red dates, which are a good tonic. Red dates contain a lot of vitamin C and have an antioxidant effect. In this soup, the sweetness of red dates can also make the soup delicious. Drinking a bowl of black fungus and red dates soup can not only replenish qi and blood, make the face look more rosy and shiny, but also help the body detoxify, which is really killing two birds with one stone. For girls, drinking it before and after the menstrual period can also relieve fatigue and make the body warm and comfortable.

Tips for Success

Handle food carefully:

Black fungus should be soaked in warm water for about 2-3 hours. This way, the black fungus tastes good and can be fully soaked. After soaking, remove the hard stem at the root of the black fungus and tear it into small pieces. This will allow the black fungus to absorb the soup better and is also convenient to eat.

Choose red dates that are full and free of worms. It is best to rinse the red dates with clean water in advance, and then use a knife to cut the red dates a few times. This step is critical. Cutting the red dates can better release its nutrients into the soup.

Stewing tips:

Put the processed black fungus and red dates into the pot and add an appropriate amount of water. The amount of water should be controlled well, generally 3-4 times the amount of ingredients, so that the soup is moderately thick.

Bring the soup to a boil over high heat first, then simmer over low heat. Simmer over low heat for about 30-40 minutes so that the flavors of the black fungus and red dates can fully blend into the soup. If you keep using high heat, the soup will easily dry up and the flavors of the ingredients will not be fully released.

The timing of adding rock sugar is also important. You can add rock sugar 10-15 minutes before the soup is almost done, and add the appropriate amount according to your taste. If you add it too early and stew it for too long, the sugar will make the soup too thick and even a little burnt.