Nourilo

Soups

Fresh Lotus Seed, Lily and Coral Grass Sweet Soup

traditionally associated with nourishing the skin, calming the mind, and supporting the body's natural cleansing functions

In short: Fresh Lotus Seed, Lily and Coral Grass Sweet Soup is a soup that traditionally associated with nourishing the skin, calming the mind, and supporting the body's natural cleansing functions. It is most often made for cleansing & regularity, skin & natural beauty, sleep & calm. Total time about 8 hr 30 min. Key ingredients: lotus seeds, lily bulb, rock sugar.

By · Published under our editorial policy · Research library

Prep
8 hr
Cook
30 min
Total
8 hr 30 min
Makes
3–4 servings
Cleansing & RegularitySkin & Natural BeautySleep & CalmOral & Throat ComfortEveryday Balance
Fresh Lotus Seed, Lily and Coral Grass Sweet Soup

Why people make this sweet soup

Autumn in Hong Kong brings dry air, and the body tends to feel it — cracked lips, dull or tight skin, a restless mind that won’t settle at bedtime. Nourilo put this sweet soup together after noticing a bag of coral grass sitting in his kitchen waiting to be used. Coral grass, a type of sea algae sometimes called the “sea bird’s nest,” is naturally rich in plant-based gelatinous compounds. Combined with fresh lotus seeds — which have a gentle calming effect on the heart — and fresh lily bulb, the result is a silky, mildly sweet soup that is as pleasant to eat as it is nourishing. It has no added estrogen-containing ingredients, so it is generally considered safe for a wide range of people.

Method

  1. The evening before: place dried coral grass in 300 ml of cold water and soak for at least 8 hours (overnight is ideal). This rehydrates it fully and softens the texture. Add a few drops of lemon juice to remove any sea smell. Drain, rinse well, and chop into smaller pieces.
  2. Remove the green pith from the lotus seeds. Rinse the fresh lily bulb.
  3. Place the lotus seeds, lily bulb, and chopped coral grass into a pot with 1.5–1.8 L of water.
  4. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a steady simmer and cook for 30 minutes.
  5. Add rock sugar and stir until dissolved. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Nourilo’s Tips

Do not skip the overnight soaking — coral grass that has not fully rehydrated will remain tough and will not release its gelatinous texture properly. If fresh lotus seeds or fresh lily bulb are not available, dried versions work well at roughly half the weight. This sweet soup is suitable for the whole family. If you or a family member have loose stools, eat smaller portions. If you find the smell of the coral grass too strong, add a little more lemon juice during the soak and rinse thoroughly.

What studies say about the key ingredients

Traditional use is not the same as clinical proof. Here is the strongest human research we found for each ingredient, limitations included.

  • Lotus seeds · Randomized crossover trial, 10 participants · 2019
    Lotus seed meals had a low glycemic index (GI 21–51 across the lotus seed and adzuki bean meals), while several other starchy foods did not differ significantly from rice. Lotus seed's in vitro hydrolysis index was also lower than that of other test foods.Limitation: Only ten healthy participants and acute single-meal tests, so findings may not apply to people with diabetes or to long-term intake.PubMed 30875961

From the Nourilo Research Library. Findings come from specific doses, extracts and populations and may not apply to a home-cooked recipe.

Safety first — read before you cook

This is a traditional food, not a treatment. Please check with your doctor or pharmacist before making it a regular part of your diet if you:

  • are pregnant or breastfeeding, or are cooking for a young child;
  • take regular medicines — especially blood thinners, blood-pressure, diabetes or immune-suppressing drugs;
  • have a kidney, liver or heart condition, or a known food allergy.

Stop eating it and seek advice if you notice an allergic reaction or feel unwell. Safety notes reviewed 8 October 2026 · How we write safety notes

Spot an error? Report a correction

Frequently asked questions

Who is this sweet soup suitable for?

This sweet soup is considered suitable for the whole family. It contains no added estrogen-containing ingredients, so it is generally regarded as safe for a wide range of people, including children and the elderly.

What does coral grass contribute to this recipe?

Coral grass, a type of sea algae sometimes called the "sea bird's nest," is naturally rich in plant-based gelatinous compounds, which give the soup its silky texture. It is traditionally combined here with lotus seeds and lily bulb as part of a soup associated with nourishing the skin.

Is there anyone who should eat smaller portions?

If you or a family member have loose stools, the recipe advises eating smaller portions of this soup.

Why does the recipe call for overnight soaking of the coral grass?

Coral grass must be soaked in cold water for at least 8 hours before cooking. Skipping this step leaves the coral grass tough and prevents it from releasing its characteristic gelatinous texture. A few drops of lemon juice added during the soak also help remove any sea smell.

How many servings does this recipe make, and how long does it take?

The recipe yields 3 to 4 servings. It requires approximately 8 hours of soaking the coral grass overnight, followed by 30 minutes of active cooking time.

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