Dulse & Jelly Ear Broth

Dulse & Jelly Ear Broth

This is a winner and very much like a miso soup broth. I am a bit late with this post as it was written in early January but I thought it was good to share. When I came across this fungus I was really surprised. I was out looking for some edible greens when I happened upon these by mistake. There they were clutched to an elder tree like like little bats hanging upside down. They feel really jelly like (hence their name) and their life span is short. I went back a week or so later and they had died off. I was disappointed I never collected more of these earthy gems. They dry out great and can be stored away for ages. When they dry out they reduce to almost 80% of their original size. When you re-hydrate them it's almost miraculous...they slowly grow...they are amazing. The combination of this fungus with dried dulse seaweed is beautiful and packs a vitamin punch.

L.Moore. Fig 1. Jelly ears on elder tree   

L.Moore Fig 2. Dulse & Jelly Ear Broth

L.Moore.Fig 3 Dulse & Jelly Ear Broth with homemade bread

L.Moore.Fig 4. Close up of Jelly Ears

L.Moore. Fig 5. Dried Dulse seaweed 

L.Moore. Fig. 6. Fresh Jelly Ears

Dulse Seaweed & Jelly Ear Broth

1 litre of vegetable stock

half a broccoli

1 carrot

a handful of kale

a dried chilli (optional)

handful of dried dulse

4-5 jelly ears rehydrated (or fresh)

2 cloves of garlic

Place your dried jelly ears in a small heatproof bowl and pour boiling water on top. Leave for 10 minutes. In a pan add your 1 liter of vegetable stock, chilli (optional) and your jelly ears (including the juice from the re-hydration) and simmer for half an hour. Then cut up your dried dulse into small strips (with scissors) and add grated garlic and add to the pan with your finely chopped carrot (cut into small strips) and simmer for 10 minutes. Lastly add your broccoli for 5 minutes and simmer. Pour into bowls and enjoy with some home made bread Ta Dah!

This fungus is also known as 'Jews ear' relating to the story of Judas hanging himself from an Elder tree. However I prefer to call them jelly ears. There is a lot of interesting  information about this strange fungus in folklore and pharmacology. Apparently this fungus may have anti-tumor benefits, it may lower cholesterol and act as a coagulant.   

this may be interesting to read

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Auricularia_auricula-judae