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

By · Registered Nutritionist & TCM Practitioner

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.

Members only

Unlock the full method & Nourilo's tips

One payment, lifetime access to every one of our 2,303 recipes — step-by-step methods, preparation tips and serving notes.

  • Full step-by-step method for this and all 2,303 recipes
  • Nourilo's Tips — sourcing, substitutions and serving notes
  • One-time payment via PayPal · no subscription, no renewals

Checking your access…

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.

You might also like

Related recipes

More soups →

Comments

Loading comments…