✅ I. Ingredients List (2-3 Servings)
Here are the ingredients and quantities required to make this dish:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Preparation Method |
|---|---|---|
| 🍈 Papaya | 500g (approx. 1 piece) | Peeled, seeded, and cut into 1.5cm cubes |
| 🌸 Fresh Lily Bulbs | 100g | Separated into individual petals, rinsed thoroughly under clean water |
| 🌰 Dried Silver Fungus | 20g | Soaked in cold water until rehydrated, then torn into small pieces |
| 🔴 Red Dates | 6 pieces | Washed and pitted |
| ❄️ Rock Sugar | To taste | Approximately 20g, adjustable according to personal preference |
| 🥛 Whole Milk | 200ml | – |
| 💧 Purified Water | 500ml | – |
👩🍳II. Cooking Steps
Preparation Stage | Estimated Time: 15 mins
- Prepare Silver Fungus: Soak the dried silver fungus in cold water for 1 hour, until fully expanded. Trim off the yellow hard base and tear into small florets. Set aside.
- Prepare Lily Bulbs: Trim off the root end of the fresh lily bulbs, separate into individual petals, rinse carefully to remove any impurities, and drain.
- Prepare Papaya: Cut the papaya in half, scoop out the seeds and pulp with a spoon, then peel off the skin. Cut into uniform cubes.
- Prepare Red Dates: Wash the red dates and remove the pits using a pitter or a small knife.
📊III. Stewing Stage | Estimated Time: 40 mins
- Cook Silver Fungus: Place the rehydrated silver fungus and pitted red dates into a clay pot or stainless steel pot. Add 500ml of purified water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a low heat and simmer for 30 minutes to allow the silver fungus to fully release its collagen.
- Add Main Ingredients: Once the soup has thickened slightly, add the prepared fresh lily bulb petals and papaya cubes. Continue to simmer over low heat for 8-10 minutes. Pay attention to the heat; cook until the papaya turns semi-translucent, avoiding overcooking which can make it mushy.
- Season and Finish: Pour in 200ml of whole milk and add rock sugar to taste (approx. 20g). Stir gently until the sugar completely dissolves, then turn off the heat. Let it steep for another 2-3 minutes using the residual heat for enhanced flavor.
💡 Chef’s Tips:
- Silver Fungus Collagen: Soaking the silver fungus in cold water and tearing it into smaller pieces helps it release more collagen during cooking, resulting in a better texture.
- Maintaining Texture: Both lily bulbs and papaya should not be cooked for too long. Especially the lily bulbs, as prolonged cooking can cause them to lose their crisp-sweet texture.
- Flavor Variations: For a coconut flavor, coconut milk can be used instead of cow’s milk. Those who are lactose intolerant can use almond milk or oat milk.
- Warming Up: If you have a cold constitution, you can add a small amount of ginger juice or two slices of ginger during stewing to balance the properties.
