Soups
Chayote, Shiitake, Cashew, and Fig Chicken Breast Soup
traditionally associated with supporting bone density and joint health
Why people make this soup
When Bro Niu came home with a bag full of resilient vegetables during a difficult time when going out was limited, chayote was one of the first things he reached for. Paired with shiitake mushrooms, cashews, and dried figs, the result is a soup that is not only fresh-tasting and satisfying but also brings together a group of ingredients that traditional food therapy has long associated with supporting the bones. Cashews are rich in calcium, phosphorus, and copper; dried figs rank among the highest-calcium fruits available; shiitakes are a source of vitamin D, which plays a role in how the body uses calcium; and chayote is considered one of the most nutritionally complete of the gourd family. Together, they make a soup that is especially beneficial for growing children, pregnant women, and anyone looking to support their skeletal health as they age.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Suitable for the whole family; particularly recommended for growing children, pregnant women, and older adults
- Those with gout should avoid shiitake mushrooms — substitute 10 green olives (qing lan) instead, as Bro Niu suggests
- Can be made with lean pork or pork shank as an alternative to chicken breast
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Cashews (yao guo): Rich in calcium, phosphorus, and copper; traditionally associated with promoting collagen formation and supporting bone strength
- Dried figs (wu hua guo): Among the highest-calcium fruits; also traditionally used to nourish the digestive system
- Shiitake mushrooms (dong gu): Contain vitamin D, which supports calcium absorption; traditionally valued for immune function and cardiovascular health — note that they contain significantly more purines than button mushrooms, so gout sufferers should avoid them
- Chayote (he zhang gua): Considered the most nutritionally comprehensive of the gourd family in traditional food therapy
- Chicken breast (ji xiong rou): A lean protein source; traditionally considered neutral in nature and easy to digest
Ingredients (3–4 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dried shiitake mushrooms | 1 liang (~37 g) | Soaked until soft, stems removed |
| Cashew nuts | 1 liang (~37 g) | |
| Dried figs | 4 pieces | Split in half |
| Chayote | 1 medium | Peeled and cut into chunks |
| Fresh ginger | 3 slices | |
| Chicken breast | 1 piece (~200–250 g) | Blanched |
| Water | 7 bowls (approx. 1.75 litres) |
Method
- Soak the dried shiitake mushrooms in water until soft; rinse and remove the stems.
- Split the dried figs in half.
- Peel the chayote and cut into chunks.
- Blanch the chicken breast in boiling water briefly, then drain.
- Place all ingredients in a pot with 7 bowls of water.
- Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a medium simmer.
- Cook for about 1 hour until the liquid reduces to approximately 3–4 bowls.
- Serve warm, eating the soup together with the mushrooms, cashews, figs, and chayote.
Bro Niu’s tips
This soup is particularly beneficial for pregnant women and growing children. Those with gout should be aware that shiitake mushrooms contain roughly ten times more purines than button mushrooms — this same compound, however, is associated with supporting immune function and antioxidant activity, and cardiovascular health in those without gout. Gout sufferers can substitute 10 green olives for the mushrooms. Pork shank works well as an alternative to chicken breast.
Community questions answered (selected)
-
Q (Zoe): Can I substitute lean pork for the chicken breast? Bro Niu: Yes, pork shank (zhu zhan) is a great substitute for chicken breast.
-
Q (Vanessa): My 14-year-old child often complains of leg pain during growth. Is there a suitable soup? Bro Niu: In teenagers, recurring leg pain not related to sports strain should be evaluated by a doctor if it persists. For general support, you can try a soup with Millettia root (niu da li), cashews, chestnuts, red dates, and pork shank — use amounts to your taste, the whole family can drink it. Serve once or twice a week, and make sure to eat the chestnuts and red dates, not just drink the broth.
Published February 19, 2022 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 3 min read.
