White Fungus Soup (Sweet)

Off the back of the Mung Bean soup earlier in the week, I made up a different dessert that has a cooling effect for the body.  The temperature has steadily been climbing in the last few days and everyone is feeling the effects as we adjust.

Apart from the cooling effects, this white fungus soup is good for the skin.  As the old adage goes, beauty starts from the inside out.  A lot of rich tai tai's would drink double boiled bird's nest for collagen. Well, guess what ladies, you don't need to spend all the dollars for bird's nest as the white fungus gives the same collagen fix.  For my vegetarian friends, the white fungus is a great replacement for expensive bird's nest.

The Chinese also believe that acne and blemishes are caused by excessive heat in your body, so by drinking this cooling tonic, not only do you get the benefit of bright and firm skin, you also help clear the unwanted blemishes.  While growing up with my grandma, she would often make this soup with gingko as well, another fantastic ingredient for the clear skin. However, I don't really like the taste of gingko, so I omitted it from this recipe. However, if you are partial to the taste, or don't mind it so much, you can always add a handful.  Pregnant ladies have also been encouraged to eat or drink white fungus as it is believed that their baby would have nice skin too.  You can sometimes also find papaya or apples added to the dish as well.

These white fungus are readily available these days. Both local supermarkets and asian grocers stock them.

Ingredients :

All ingredients should be readily available at your local Asian grocer, or down the international aisle of your supermarket.

1 bulb of the white fungus, soaked till soft and cut them into smaller pieces using scissors

2 to 3 rock sugar

5 red dates

1.5L of water

Steps :

In a pot, bring the water to boil. Add in the fungus and red dates. Bring to boil and then lower the heat to low. Add sugar and let it simmer for 2 hours. Turn the heat off and let it sit over stove for 45 mins to 1 hour. The heat will continue to cook the fungus. 

This can be served hot or cold. I prefer to eat mine cold.

Many of these dishes have beneficial qualities to them, not just tasting yummy!  If you haven't used white fungus before, don't be put off by the look or texture of it.  It is packed with nutrients and tastes good, not to mention beautifully clear skin to boot! Happy cooking, friends.