Shiitake, Snow Fungus and Soybean Soup (Dong Gu Xue Er Huang Dou Tang)

Why people make this soup

Cancer places enormous demands on the body. In traditional Chinese dietary wisdom, it is seen as a condition that depletes both the kidney essence (our innate vitality) and the digestive system’s ability to transform food into nourishment. The guiding principle for eating well during such times is to focus on foods that are easy to digest yet genuinely nourishing. This soup does exactly that: shiitake mushrooms, snow fungus, and soybeans have each been recognised in food-therapy traditions for their supportive properties, and together they produce a rich, flavourful broth that is gentle on the stomach. Families often keep this soup on regular rotation — not just during illness, but as an everyday health-building dish.

Method

1. Soak the shiitake mushrooms and snow fungus in separate bowls of cold water until fully softened. Remove and discard the stems from the shiitake. Trim away the hard, yellowish base from the snow fungus and break it into smaller pieces.
2. Blanch the lean pork in boiling water for a minute or two, then rinse. This removes any impurities and keeps the soup clear.
3. Rinse the soybeans, dried scallops, and red jujubes.
4. Place all ingredients into a large pot and add 2.4 L of water.
5. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cook for 2 hours.
6. Season lightly with salt if desired. Serve the soup and eat the ingredients together.

Nourilo’s Tips

This soup suits anyone managing a chronic or serious illness as a regular dietary supplement. The ingredients are widely available, the flavour is genuinely delicious, and the whole family can enjoy it together — there is no need to make a separate meal for the person who is unwell. If the person being cared for does not eat meat, replace the pork with an equal weight of soybeans and a small handful of cashews or peanuts. Fish (such as grass carp) can also replace pork in this recipe, though the flavour profile will be slightly different.