Recipe: 仙人掌鸡汤 Cactus Soup

Today's main ingredient is a little prickly. I did not know that the Cactus could be eaten, much less turned into a soup, and a nutritious one at that. I was at my sister's place the other day when she asked me to stay for dinner as she is making this soup. My jaw dropped when I heard that. Never before in my life have I ever heard of "Cactus Soup". I did not stay for dinner that day although it did pique my curiousity for the next few days. Thus, when I saw Cactus pads for sale at the supermarket this morning, I decided to buy a piece home to try it out. Cactus Soup is really fuss-free and easy to make but most of all, it is very affordable and nutritious. Did you know that the Cactus contain beta carotene, iron, some B vitamins and are good sources of both vitamin C and calcium? Here are more benefits of the Catcus: - Reduces swelling - Expels heatiness - Strengthens immunity I hope you enjoy this as much as I do. Bon appetit!

Ingredients: Cactus (scrubbed and sliced into chunks with skin intact) 2 Dried Honey Dates (蜜枣) (soaked in water till softened) One small whole Chicken (cleaned and blanched in boiling water) 1.8L Water Salt, to taste Instructions: 1) Boil the pot of water 2) Add the chicken and Cactus 3) Allow to boil, then reduce fire to simmer for 1 - 2 hours 4) Add salt to taste 5) Serves 3 - 5

Note: Not all cactus are edible so do not go chop off your neighbor's plants. Only purchase them from reliable sources.