soft beancurd skin sheets (三边腐竹) soaked in water until soft • water • barley (薏米) rinsed • pandan leaves tied to a knot • pitted red dates • canned or vacuum-packed (boiled and shelled) ginkgo nuts (白果) • rock sugar (冰糖) to taste
medium pearl barley • chicken broth • finely chopped onion • olive oil • garlic clove, minced • white one or water • kosher salt • black pepper • unsalted butter