Soups
Codonopsis, Chinese Yam and Chestnut Pork-Rib Soup
Traditionally used to support the spleen, qi and blood and ease tiredness
Why people make this soup
Chronic tiredness is a very common city-dweller’s complaint — no obvious illness, yet you tire and feel sleepy easily and can’t concentrate. Bro Niu’s view is that the first thing to do is steady your qi and blood; when those are abundant, that worn-out feeling tends to lift. This soup is traditionally used to support the spleen, qi, kidneys and blood, and is associated with helping people with spleen-and-stomach qi deficiency and chronic tiredness.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Suited to people with chronic tiredness, low energy, a pale complexion, or weakness after childbirth or surgery; the soup is gentle and low on medicinal taste, so the whole family can have it.
- Codonopsis leans slightly warming; if you run hot, reduce it or pair with yam, lily bulb or fig. For young children, swap in tai zi shen, which is gentler.
- Fine during menstruation, and fine for those without fever even with a runny nose or cough (add a piece of tangerine peel to help with phlegm).
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Codonopsis (dang shen): Traditionally used to support qi and the spleen, gentler than ginseng.
- Chinese yam (huai shan): Associated with strengthening the spleen and supporting the kidneys.
- Chestnuts (li zi): Traditionally regarded as supporting the kidneys.
- Red dates (hong zao): Associated with supporting blood.
Ingredients (4 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Codonopsis (dang shen) | ~30 g | Use ~11 g for those who run hot |
| Chinese yam (huai shan) | ~38 g | |
| Chestnuts | 10 | Peeled (skins make the soup taste off) |
| Red dates | 6 | |
| Pork ribs | ~450 g | Or substitute fresh chicken |
Method
- Blanch the pork ribs to remove scum.
- Peel the chestnuts; rinse and soak the yam, codonopsis and red dates.
- Combine everything in a pot with 8 bowls of water and simmer about 2 hours down to 4 bowls. Drink the soup and eat the solids.
Bro Niu’s tips
This soup has a mild, not-too-medicinal taste and also suits people who are anemic, pale, or weak with deficient qi and blood after childbirth or surgery. If you can’t find fresh chestnuts, you can use about ~38 g dried chestnuts instead; you can also use fresh chicken in place of the pork ribs.
Community questions answered (selected)
-
Q (anonymous reader): Can this soup be drunk during menstruation? Bro Niu: Yes, you can drink it during your period.
-
Q (Pauline): I can’t always find fresh chestnuts — can I use dried chestnuts instead? Bro Niu: Yes, use about ~38 g of dried chestnuts in place of the fresh.
-
Q (Sardon): I’m 9 months pregnant, near term — is it okay to drink, any effect? Bro Niu: At 9 months pregnant you can drink it — no problem. Just use a little less codonopsis, about ~11 g is enough.
Published December 18, 2010 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.
