Mussels (boiled in water) are called "crooked" in Nanjing. You should choose one that is neither too big nor too small, one with a red shell, one with a white pearl, and one that is too big to chew. About six is enough for a family of three.

The vegetable seller will remove the gills first. Wash it with hot water after you go home. Wash the unwashed places carefully several times, sprinkle some salt and mix well, and then wash it later. This is done to make it easier to remove greasy mucus.

Don't forget to knock Miss Yee on the back-knock the hard edge loose with the back of the knife so that the cooked meat won't get old. Finally, cut into strips one centimeter wide and set aside.

Slice ginger, onion, tofu, bacon or ham, and wash broad bean petals.

Sit in a pot, add a proper amount of cooking oil, stir-fry ginger, onion, bacon or ham, and drop into the pot until it is medium-cooked. Add boiling water, tofu and broad bean petals. After boiling for a while, the soup will turn white. If you cook it too long, the meat will get old.