As the weather cools down, it’s the perfect time to nourish your body and support your immune system with warm, comforting foods. This TCM-inspired soup features key ingredients known for their immune-boosting and lung-nourishing properties, helping you stay healthy throughout the fall season.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup dried shiitake mushrooms (boosts immunity, nourishes lungs)
• 1/2 cup fresh carrots, sliced (supports digestion, strengthens qi)
• 1/2 cup daikon radish, cubed (aids in digestion and detoxifies the body)
• 1 small piece of fresh ginger, sliced (warms the body, boosts circulation, and supports digestion)
• 3-4 dried jujube dates (tonifies blood and qi, nourishes the spleen)
• 1-2 slices of astragalus root (Huang Qi) (strengthens the immune system)
• 1 clove of garlic, minced (antiviral, supports the lungs)
• 1 bunch bok choy or another leafy green (clears heat, nourishes yin)
• 6 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth (for extra warmth and nourishment)
• 1 tablespoon goji berries (rich in antioxidants, supports immune health)
• Sea salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil or olive oil (optional for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Soak the mushrooms: Rinse the dried shiitake mushrooms and soak them in warm water for about 20 minutes to rehydrate. Once soft, slice them thinly. Reserve the mushroom soaking water to add to the soup later for extra flavor.
2. Prepare the broth: In a large pot, heat your broth over medium heat. Add the sliced ginger, garlic, and astragalus root. Allow the broth to simmer for about 15-20 minutes to infuse the herbs.
3. Add the vegetables: Add the carrots, daikon radish, and soaked shiitake mushrooms (including the soaking water). Let the soup simmer for another 15 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
4. Add jujube dates and goji berries: After the vegetables have softened, add the jujube dates and goji berries to the pot. These sweet ingredients nourish the blood and qi, boosting overall immunity.
5. Stir in bok choy: Add the bok choy or other leafy greens and simmer for an additional 5 minutes until wilted.
6. Season and serve: Remove the astragalus root slices before serving. Season with sea salt and pepper to taste. Drizzle with a little sesame oil for added warmth and flavor.

Why This Soup Works in TCM:

• Shiitake mushrooms and Astragalus root are known to strengthen the immune system and protect against colds and flu.
• Ginger warms the body, while jujube dates and goji berries tonify the blood, helping the body recover from stress or fatigue.
• The combination of root vegetables like carrots and radish grounds your energy, supporting digestion and preparing your body for the winter months.

Enjoy this nourishing soup a few times a week to stay healthy and balanced during the fall season. It’s not only delicious but also packed with healing properties to keep your body resilient.