Summer Herbal Soup with Osso Bucco and Healing Herbs

As the summer sun warms our days, nourishing soups don’t have to be heavy or overpowering. They can be light, refreshing, and packed with both flavour and wellness benefits. This summer herbal soup combines tender osso bucco with traditional Chinese herbs to support your digestion, boost immunity, and keep you feeling energised without weighing you down.

Ingredients

• 1 kg bone of your choice (osso bucco works beautifully)
• 1–2 carrots, cut into chunks
• 1–2 corn cobs, cut
• 1 onion, sliced
• 3–5 thick slices of ginger
• ¼ cup Chinese Barley (薏米仁, yi mi ren)
• 5 slices of Solomon’s Seal
• ¼ cup Goji Berries (or less if you prefer less sweet)
• 1–1.5 L stock (chicken or bone stock preferred)
• 1 Bay Leaf (optional)
• 1 tbsp Sichuan pepper (optional)
• Salt, to taste, when serving

Instructions

1. Prepare the ingredients: Rinse the Barley, Goji Berries, and Solomon’s Seal under cold water. Slice the carrots, corn, onion, and ginger.
2. Brown the bones (optional): For added depth, sear the osso bucco in a hot pan until lightly browned on all sides.
3. Build the soup base: In a large soup pot, combine the bones, carrots, corn, onion, ginger, Chinese Barley, and Solomon’s Seal. Pour in the stock and add the bay leaf and Sichuan pepper if using.
4. Simmer gently: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 1.5–2 hours in an instant pot, until the meat is tender and the flavours are fully developed. Skim off any foam that rises to the top.
5. Add the Goji Berries: In the last 10–15 minutes of cooking, add the Goji Berries. This ensures they soften but retain their bright color and subtle sweetness.
6. Season and serve: Taste the soup and season with salt as needed. Serve warm, enjoying the harmony of flavors and the nourishing herbs in every spoonful.

Why This Soup Works

• Osso bucco: Provides rich collagen and minerals, supporting joint and skin health.
• Chinese barley (薏米仁): Cooling and digestive-friendly, ideal for summer.
• Solomon’s seal: Traditional herb that helps tonify the lungs and kidneys.
• Goji berries: Sweet, antioxidant-rich, and uplifting for energy.
• Ginger and sichuan pepper: Adds gentle warmth and aids digestion without making the soup heavy.

This soup is a perfect example of how traditional Chinese herbs can be integrated into everyday cooking, creating meals that are both healing and delicious. Enjoy it as a light lunch or a restorative dinner during the warmer months.