1. Peanuts
Features:: Peanuts are rich in protein, fat and vitamins, and when paired with pork knuckles, they can make the soup richer and have a nourishing effect. At the same time, the aroma and texture of peanuts can add more layers of flavor to the pig's feet.
Cooking advice: Put the cleaned peanuts and pig's feet in a pressure cooker, add an appropriate amount of water, and simmer for 20-30 minutes. You can also soak peanuts and soybeans in warm water for a period of time and then stew them with pig's feet, which can make peanuts and soybeans more soft and flavorful.
2. Lotus root
Features:: Lotus root is rich in starch, protein, vitamins and minerals, and has the effects of nourishing yin and blood, clearing heat and detoxifying. Paired with pork knuckles, it can increase the umami flavor of the soup and add a hint of sweetness to the pork knuckles. In addition, the combination of the crisp texture of the lotus root and the soft and glutinous texture of the pig's feet can also add some variety to the dish.
Cooking advice: Cut the lotus root into cubes, then stir-fry it slightly with oil, then add the pig's knuckles, add an appropriate amount of water and simmer for 30 minutes. You can also put the lotus root in a saucepan and cook it until it is half cooked, and then add the pig's feet and soybeans to continue simmering, which can make the lotus root more flavorful.
3. Chinese herbal medicines
Features:: Chinese herbal medicines such as red dates, wolfberries, angelica, etc., all have the effect of nourishing and health care. Paired with pig's feet, it can enhance its nourishing effect, and has a good therapeutic effect on physical weakness and anemia. At the same time, the special aroma and nutritional value of Chinese herbal medicines can also improve the overall quality of pork knuckle dishes.
Cooking advice: Soak the herbs for 30 minutes in advance, then put them in a pot with the pig's feet, add an appropriate amount of water, and simmer for 1-15 hours. Some seasonings can be added in moderation according to personal taste, such as ginger slices, green onions, etc.
4. Vegetables such as radish and winter melon
Features:: These vegetables are rich in vitamins and minerals, and when paired with pork knuckles, they make the soup more delicious and add nutritional value. In addition, the light taste of the vegetables and the rich taste of the pork knuckles are combined to add some freshness to the dish.
Cooking advice: Cut the vegetables into cubes, put them in a pot with the pig's feet, add an appropriate amount of water and simmer for 40-50 minutes. You can also blanch the vegetables before adding them to stew, which can make the vegetables more flavorful.
5. Other meats
Features:: For example, chicken, duck, mutton, etc., all have similar taste and nutritional value to pig's feet. Paired with these meats, it adds to the overall taste and nutritional value. At the same time, different meats will also bring different flavors and characteristics.
Cooking advice: Blanch the meat, put it in a pot with the pig's feet, add an appropriate amount of water, and simmer for about 1 hour. Some seasonings and spices can be added in moderation according to personal taste, such as ginger slices, green onions, star anise, etc.