Chayote, Daylily, Lily Bulb and Silkie Chicken Soup

Why people make this soup

The news can feel relentless — conflict, unrest, protests everywhere — and watching too much of it can leave the mind churning. That’s exactly when I reach for foods traditionally used to calm the heart and settle the spirit. Chayote is mild and sweet and suits most constitutions; daylily is poetically nicknamed “the herb that banishes worry”; lily bulb is traditionally used to calm the mind. Simmered with sweet carrot and silkie chicken, it’s nourishing and soothing.

Method

1. Peel and chunk the chayote and carrot. Rinse and soak the daylily and lily bulb.
2. Clean the silkie chicken, chop into large pieces and blanch.
3. Add all ingredients to 2.7 L of water and simmer 1.5 hours until reduced to 1.5 L.

Nourilo’s Tips

This soup is sweet and tasty, suitable for young and old, and especially helpful for those feeling anxious, irritable or sleepless. If you have an external cold with fever, use lean pork instead of the silkie chicken.