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.