Black Bean and Pig’s Trotter Stew

Black Bean and Pig’s Trotter Stew

　　Every visitor to Shanglin County has tried a local specialty—Black Bean and Pig’s Trotter Stew. It is made by simmering locally grown black beans from the hilly areas along with pig’s trotters, star anise, salt, and other seasonings in a pressure cooker until both the trotters and beans are tender. The black beans in this dish are soft yet slightly grainy, fragrant and delicious, making it impossible to have just one bite. It is hailed as one of the top ten signature dishes of Shanglin County.

　　Black beans are among the most nutritious health foods in the plant kingdom, often referred to as the “king of beans.” It is said that black beans contain more than twice the protein of beef, chicken, or pork, and twelve times that of milk, all while maintaining high quality. Their greatest feature is their plant sterols, which are not only easily absorbed by the human body but also help inhibit cholesterol absorption. As such, black beans are an ideal health food for middle-aged and elderly people suffering from arteriosclerosis.

　　In ancient agrarian societies, people noticed that livestock fed black beans became stronger, more robust, and more resistant to disease. As a result, black beans were primarily used as animal feed. At that time, white-colored foods were preferred, and only the poor or those who could not afford better resorted to eating black beans. However, traditional healers and wellness practitioners discovered and documented the medicinal benefits of black beans, sparking greater interest in them.

　　Traditional Chinese medicine has long regarded black beans as sweet, neutral, and non-toxic, identifying them as the “grain of the kidneys,” entering the kidney meridian. They are believed to strengthen the spleen and promote urination, reduce swelling and regulate qi; nourish kidney yin, moisten lung dryness, dispel wind-heat, invigorate blood circulation, and detoxify; relieve night sweats, darken and nourish hair, and promote longevity. Therefore, black beans are not only highly nutritious and rich in protein, but also help enrich blood and beautify the skin, darken hair, nourish the brain, and aid sleep. Meanwhile, the tenderized pig’s trotters are rich in collagen and calcium, offering benefits for bone health and skin beauty. Thus, the combination of black beans and pig’s trotters in this stew creates a perfect synergy between dietary and medicinal nourishment.

　　Preparation Method

　　1. Prepare the black beans

　　2. Clean the purchased pig’s trotters thoroughly.

　　3. Boil water and blanch the pig’s trotters for ten minutes to remove impurities, then rinse and place them in fresh boiling water.

　　4. Prepare old ginger.

　　5. Place the black beans and ginger together with the pig’s trotters in a pot, bring to a boil over high heat for ten minutes, then simmer over medium-low heat for two hours until the meat and beans are fully tender. Season with salt and a little chicken essence before serving.

　　6. The finished “Black Bean and Pig’s Trotter Stew” is fragrant and delicious. The trotters are rich in skin, tendons, and collagen, with tender and smooth meat. It’s a nourishing and beautifying soup that can be enjoyed regularly.

　　Benefits

　　It helps invigorate the spleen and boost qi, nourish kidneys and strengthen the waist. It is especially beneficial for children, the elderly, or those experiencing weak and sore lower back and knees, general physical weakness, or frequent nighttime urination. It is suitable for regular consumption.