Soups
Chinese Yam, Lotus Seed and Chestnut Pork Shin Soup
Traditionally supports the spleen and kidneys and gently rebuilds qi and essence
Why people make this soup
Some people, after overwork or a poor recovery from illness, feel run-down, low on energy and short on appetite. The tricky part is that many of them “can’t take a tonic” — one bowl of something strong and they get a dry mouth, mouth ulcers or a sore throat. Bro Niu’s answer is gentle tonifying: mild, even-natured foods like Chinese yam, lotus seed and chestnut that rebuild quietly without overheating. This soup is sweet and easy to drink, and traditionally supports the spleen and kidneys.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Suits people who feel weak and tired, with low appetite, a sore lower back and weak knees, or loose stools from a weak spleen; also suits women before and after childbirth.
- Even-natured and easy on most people; if you tend to run hot and dry, keep portions modest.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Huai shan (Chinese yam): traditionally supports the spleen and kidneys and is a classic “gentle tonic” food.
- Lian zi (lotus seed): associated with steadying the spleen and calming the body.
- Li zi (chestnut): traditionally said to support the kidneys and strengthen the lower back and knees.
- Hong zao (red dates): added to support qi and round out the flavour.
Ingredients (1 pot, 4–6 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chinese yam (huai shan) | ~38 g (1 liang) | rinse and soak |
| Fresh lotus seeds | ~75 g (2 liang) | or ~38 g dried |
| Chestnuts | 10 | peel off the inner skin |
| Red dates | 6 | |
| Pork shin (zhu zhan) | 1–2 pieces | blanch first |
Method
- Blanch the pork shin; peel the chestnuts; rinse and soak the remaining ingredients.
- Put everything in a pot with about 8 bowls of water and simmer about 2 hours.
- Eat the soup together with the ingredients.
Bro Niu’s tips
This soup is mild and naturally sweet, and is good for women before and after childbirth. If you prefer, the pork shin can be swapped for chicken fillet — for long-term use, choose a good-quality organic chicken fillet. It can also be made meat-free as a sweet “soup” by adding water chestnut, corn and rock sugar.
Community questions answered (selected)
- Q (scy): Can I leave out the meat and add water chestnut, pumpkin, corn and rock sugar to turn it into a sweet soup? Bro Niu: Yes, you can leave out the meat and add water chestnut, corn and so on to make it a sweet soup.
- Q (water-crystal reader): Can the pork shin be replaced with chicken fillet? Bro Niu: Yes, you can switch to chicken fillet.
- Q (Yan): My husband often feels very tired after night shifts — does this soup suit him? Bro Niu: Your husband can drink this soup; adding a little snow fungus makes it even better. Drink about three times a week until symptoms improve.
Published November 11, 2010 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.
