Fresh Purple Yam, Lotus Seed, Corn and Lean Pork Soup

Why people make this soup

For people watching their blood sugar, many sweet fruits need careful limiting — lower-sugar options like guava, papaya, pomelo, grapefruit, and kiwi are generally better suited. This hearty soup takes a different approach: instead of fruit, it brings together several ingredients — fresh yam, lotus seeds, corn, and goji berries — that Chinese food therapy traditionally associates with supporting the spleen, moderating energy metabolism, and nourishing the blood. The result is a naturally sweet, satisfying broth that the whole family can share.

Method

1. Peel the purple yam and cut into bite-sized chunks. Rinse well (wear gloves if your skin is sensitive to the mucilage).
2. Rinse the fresh lotus seeds; remove and discard the bitter green core from each one.
3. Rinse goji berries and soak for a few minutes.
4. Strip corn husks and silk; cut each cob into three or four rounds.
5. Blanch the lean pork in boiling water for 2–3 minutes, then rinse.
6. Place all ingredients in a pot with 2.4–2.7 L of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer.
7. Cook for about 1 hour 30 minutes until the liquid reduces to approximately 1.2 L.
8. Serve with the soup and ingredients together; eating the solids adds to the nutritional benefit.

Nourilo’s Tips

Purple yam is not always available — regular fresh white Chinese yam (huai shan) works just as well for this soup. Dried yam (40 g) can also be substituted. Even if purple yam is out of season, this soup remains a reliable, gentle staple for families looking to support digestive health and moderate blood sugar through diet.