Black Garlic Pork Rib Soup

A nourishing and flavorful soup combining the unique aroma of black garlic with tender pork ribs, perfect for boosting immunity and restoring energy. Here’s the detailed recipe:

Ingredients (Serves 2-3)

• Pork ribs 300g (preferably spare ribs or soup bones)
• Black garlic 4-6 cloves (adjust by size; 4 regular or 2 single-clove bulbs)
• Ginger 3-4 slices
• Red dates 5-6 (optional, for sweetness)
• Goji berries 10g (optional, for nourishment)
• Water 1.5-2 liters
• Salt to taste
• Cooking wine 1 tbsp (for blanching)

Instructions

1. Prepare the ribs:
   • Rinse ribs, blanch in cold water with 1 tbsp cooking wine and 2 ginger slices. Bring to a boil, skim off scum.
   • Remove ribs and rinse with warm water (to keep meat tender).
2. Prepare black garlic:
   • Peel garlic cloves (lightly crush or slice if stronger flavor is desired).
3. Simmer the soup:
   • Add blanched ribs, black garlic, remaining ginger, and pitted red dates to a pot.
   • Pour in water (1.5-2L), bring to a boil, then simmer on low heat 1-1.5 hours.
   • Add goji berries in the last 10 minutes (to retain nutrients).
4. Seasoning:
   • Add salt to taste before turning off heat (use less salt as black garlic is naturally sweet).
   • Optional: Sprinkle white pepper for extra flavor.

Tips & Notes

• Black garlic: Fermented black garlic is soft and sweet-sour, requiring minimal seasoning.
• Reduce grease: Skim surface oil after cooking, or refrigerate ribs beforehand to solidify fat.
• Enhancement: Add corn or carrots for natural sweetness.
• Rice cooker version: Use “soup mode” for easier cooking.

This soup is ideal for autumn/winter nourishment. The antioxidants in black garlic and protein from ribs help strengthen immunity, especially for those recovering stamina. Enjoy!