1 pound of fresh pork shank
1 tablespoon of  apricot kernals
4-5 large dried dates
2-3 bunches of fresh watercress
20 fresh chestnuts
1.5 – 2 L of cold water
1 tsp of salt to marinate your meat (optional)

How do I prepare it?

1. Pre-marinate the pork bones overnight with the salt (although this step is not necessary)
2. Start boiling your soup water
3. In another pot of boiling water, blanch the pork shank
4. Once boiled, pour out water and boil a fresh pot of water, boil the chestnuts for at least 5 minutes
5. Immediately remove the skin while the chestnuts are still hot (be careful!)
6. Add the apricot kernals, dates, chestnuts and blanched meats to your boiling soup
7. Boil for at least 2 hours
8. Add fresh watercress and boil for at least another 30 minutes or until the watercress becomes soft
9. You can continue to boil the soup for more flavour (a slow cooker is ideal for this)

 Any benefits?

• This soup is traditionally used as a cough remedy
• It helps relieve heatiness
• The watercress is high in A , B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B17, C, D, E and K

Any precautions?

• Women who are pregnant (less than 3 months into term) or menstrating should drink in moderation as it watercress is a “cool” food and can potentially cause contractions