Lotus Root Soup
Lotus Root Soup with Pork Ribs is a classic, comforting Chinese soup known for its clear, savory broth and the unique texture of the lotus root. The dish typically features chunks of lotus root, pork ribs, and sometimes dried dates or goji berries, simmered for hours to extract deep flavor. It is a staple in Cantonese and other regional Chinese cuisines, often served as a nourishing family meal.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This soup is generally balanced, providing a good source of protein from the pork ribs and complex carbohydrates and fiber from the lotus root. It is relatively low in fat if the ribs are lean, and a typical serving provides around 200-300 calories, making it a nutritious and filling option.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 150 kcal |
| Protein | 12 g |
| Carbs | 15 g |
| Fat | 5 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 450 mg |
| Potassium | 400 mg |
| Phosphorus | 180 mg |
| Iron | 2 mg |
| Vitamin C | 15 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.3 mg |
| Niacin (B3) | 4 mg |
| Magnesium | 30 mg |
| Zinc | 2 mg |
Per 1 bowl (300 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, lotus root is prized in Chinese cuisine not just for its flavor but for its symbolic meaning of purity and resilience, as it grows from the mud. Nutritionally, the lotus root is unique for its high fiber content and its ability to add a satisfying, slightly crunchy texture to soups, which is rare in many other root vegetables.
