Yin Er Tang (Snow Fungus Dessert Soup)

🧂 Ingredients

• 30 g Dried snow fungus (Tremella fuciformis)(Look for dried, pale yellow or white pieces. Rinse under cold water before soaking.)
• 80-120 g Rock sugar(Adjust to your preferred sweetness. Can substitute with granulated sugar if rock sugar is unavailable.)
• 10 Dried red dates (jujubes)(Rinse and pit them if desired, though not strictly necessary for this soup.)
• 2 tbsp Dried goji berries (wolfberries)(Rinse briefly before adding.)
• 30 g Dried lotus seeds(If using shelled and deseeded lotus seeds, no pre-soaking is usually required. If using whole ones, they might need a longer soak or boil to soften.)
• 2 L Water(Filtered water is recommended for a cleaner taste.)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare the snow fungus: Place the dried snow fungus in a large bowl and cover generously with cool water. Let it soak for at least 30 minutes, or until it becomes soft, spongy, and has expanded significantly. Once rehydrated, trim off any tough, yellow, or woody base. Tear the fungus into bite-sized pieces, aiming for a delicate, petal-like appearance.

   ⏱️ 30 minutes (soaking)
2. 2

   Combine and simmer: In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the rehydrated snow fungus pieces, rinsed red dates, and lotus seeds. Add the 2 liters of water. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.

   ⏱️ 10 minutes
3. 3

   Reduce heat and continue simmering: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer gently for at least 1.5 hours. The snow fungus should become very tender and gelatinous, and the liquid will thicken slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

   ⏱️ 1.5 hours
4. 4

   Add sweeteners and final ingredients: Stir in the rock sugar and continue to simmer until it has completely dissolved. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes. Then, add the rinsed goji berries and simmer for a final 5 minutes, just until they soften slightly and release their flavor. The soup should have a slightly viscous, syrupy consistency.

   ⏱️ 25 minutes
5. 5

   Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls. It can be enjoyed immediately while warm, or chilled in the refrigerator for a refreshing dessert. The snow fungus should have a jelly-like texture, and the soup will be subtly sweet and fragrant.

   ⏱️ 5 minutes

💡 Pro Tips

• ✓The ideal texture for the snow fungus is gelatinous and smooth, almost like a thick jelly.
• ✓This soup is traditionally believed to be beneficial for skin health and overall well-being.
• ✓It's a popular choice for a light, healthy, and traditional Chinese dessert.
• ✓If you prefer a thicker soup, you can simmer it uncovered for the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow more liquid to evaporate.

🔄 Variations

• Add cubed ripe papaya during the last 30 minutes of simmering for a fruity twist.
• Include sliced pears (like Asian pears or Bosc pears) along with the dates and lotus seeds for added flavor and texture.
• A small piece of dried tangerine peel can be added during simmering for a subtle citrus aroma.

🥗 Nutrition

Per serving