Pig stomach with dong quai soup

The Chinese believe that this soup is a must eat dish during confinement because dong quai is good for women’s reproductive system. However, it should not be used by breast feeding mothers because there is little information about its effect on the baby through the breast milk.

Dong quai (當歸) or Chinese angelica root is a plant whose roots are used as medicine primarily for women having menstrual cramps, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), menopausal symptoms and infertility. Dong quai tones and strengthens the uterus by regulating hormonal control, improving uterine tone which is effective in helping women who are not menstruating or have scanty period and improving the timing of the menstrual cycle. It is also used to manage hypertension, joint pain, ulcers, anemia, constipation and in the prevention and treatment of allergic attacks. Dong quai also has a relaxing effect on both the uterus and the nervous system therefore it should not be used during pregnancy or those with diarrhea, haemorrhagic diseases, or excessive menstrual flow and anyone using any anti-coagulant or blood thinning medication such as warfarin or aspirin.

Ingredients

 Half chicken cut into big pieces

4-5 pieces of dong kwai

½ a cleaned pig stomach 

Slice the pig stomach into bite size pieces

It is important to clean the pig stomach properly to remove the slime and smell

Please see the recipe ‘pig stomach and fish maw soup’ for info on cleaning the pig stomach 

Put boiling water into the slow cooker

Add the pig stomach and dong quai

Cook on high for 1 hour then turn down to low for 2 hours

This is because the pig stomach takes a longer time to become tender

Blanch the chicken to remove the scum

Add the chicken to the soup and cook on low for another 2 hours

Dish up and serve

Add 1 – 2 teaspoons Brandy or Dom to the soup just before serving.

You can add mee suah to the soup if you do not feel like eating it with rice.