A Soup for Better Sleep

Lotus root: nourish the Heart, replenish Blood to the Heart, helps to calm the Shen to ease anxiety for better sleep

Ingredients

• 1 dried cuttlefish / dried squid or meat of your choice or use Shiitake mushroom
• 10 cups water + some for blanching (2.4 liters)
• 1 lb pork neck bones or bone-in ribs (450g) or use Shiitake mushroom
• 10 red jujube dates (no pit, rinsed and soaked for 15 mins)
• 1 lb lotus root (peeled and cut into 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick slices) (450g)
• 1 lb carrots (optional)
  
• 10 dried Longan fruit (optiona)
  
• Salt to taste

Instructions

1. Wipe dried cuttlefish (squid) with a damp towel. Place on a metal grating over a baking tray and broil in the oven until fragrant. This takes about 4 to 5 minutes each side in a toaster oven. Remove and set aside.
2. Fill a large pot half full of water. Bring to a boil. Add pork neck bones or ribs. Allow it to blanch for 4 to 5 minutes. Remove with thongs and rinse in cold water.
3. Discard water in pot and fill with 10 cups (2.4 liters) of fresh water. Bring to a boil.
4. Add blanched neck bones (ribs), broiled cuttlefish, red dates, and lotus root (or carrots or Longan fruit). Bring water back up to a boil. Reduce heat to low and allow soup to simmer for 1½ to 2 hours. Skim off any scum appearing on the surface.
5. Season with salt to taste and turn off heat.
6. Serve warm in individual bowls.