Beat the Summer Heat with Refreshing, Nutritious Earth Ginseng Greens and Minced Pork Soup

Earth Ginseng Greens in Summer Meals

Characteristics of Earth Ginseng Greens and a Comforting Family Soup

On sweltering hot days, a light, refreshing bowl of soup is always the perfect lifesaver for family meals. If you are already familiar with Katuk (sauropus) or water spinach, treat your palate to something new with earth ginseng greens cooked with minced pork—a rustic everyday dish that also serves as a wonderful cooling remedy.

Earth ginseng greens (also known as waterleaf or false ginseng greens) have long been treasured for their mild sweetness and neutral nature, providing great benefits for cooling down, detoxifying, and revitalizing the body. When paired with the savory sweetness of minced pork, this soup not only tantalizes the taste buds but also effectively relieves internal heat.

Preparing this wholesome medicinal dish for your family takes just about 15–20 minutes with a very simple recipe:

Ingredients ( serves 3–4):

- Earth ginseng greens: 1 bunch (approx. 300g); choose fresh, vibrant green leaves that are thick and free from bruising.

- Minced lean pork: around 150g; pork shoulder or meat with a little fat is ideal to keep the soup from tasting dry.

- Seasonings: Shallots, traditional fish sauce, seasoning powder, ground black pepper, salt, and cooking oil.

Cooking Steps for Earth Ginseng Greens and Minced Pork Soup:

Step 1 - Ingredient Preparation: Pick the tender leaves and shoot tips of the earth ginseng greens. Soak and wash thoroughly in diluted salt water, then rinse with fresh water and drain well. If the leaves are quite long, cut them in half for easier eating.

Step 2 - Marinating the Pork: Place the minced pork in a bowl. Marinate with 1 minced shallot, 1 teaspoon of seasoning powder, and a pinch of ground black pepper to eliminate any gamey odor. Mix thoroughly and let it sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate.

Step 3 - Cooking the Soup:

Sautéing the meat: Place a pot on the stove, heat a small amount of cooking oil, and add minced shallots until fragrant. Add the marinated minced pork and stir-fry quickly over medium heat until the meat is lightly browned and firm.

Preparing the broth: Pour about 1 liter of filtered water into the pot with the sautéed pork, turn up the heat, and bring to a boil. As it boils, use a ladle to skim off any surface foam. This technique keeps the broth clear with a clean, natural sweetness.

Adding the greens: Add all the earth ginseng greens into the pot and stir gently. Bring the broth back to a rolling boil for 1–2 minutes until the greens are just tender, then remove from heat immediately.

Note: Avoid overcooking earth ginseng greens because they cook very quickly. Prolonged cooking can make the greens soggy, discolor them, and deplete their natural vitamins.

Step 4 - Seasoning and Serving:

- Season with a dash of fish sauce or salt to suit your family's taste, then turn off the heat immediately.

- Ladle the soup into a large bowl and sprinkle with a little freshly ground black pepper to enhance the aroma.

A well-executed bowl of earth ginseng and minced pork soup should have a clear broth, with the savory sweetness of the pork harmonizing with the subtle, characteristic sweetness of the greens. The greens should retain a slight crispness, a vibrant green color, and a delicate aroma of sautéed shallots and pepper.

This soup is best enjoyed hot alongside steamed white rice and a side of pickled eggplants. In the heat of midday summer, just one bowl of earth ginseng greens with minced pork is enough to banish fatigue, stimulate the appetite, and bring refreshing comfort to the whole family./.