Soups
Adzuki, Cashew & Lotus Root Soup
Traditionally nourishes the complexion and supports blood and circulation
Why people make this soup
In winters past, Bro Niu’s family loved making “glutinous-rice lotus root” — soaked sticky rice packed into the holes of a lotus root, sealed with a toothpick and simmered with red dates and brown sugar until sweet and rosy. Beautiful, but fiddly. This soup gives you the same complexion-loving, blood-nourishing idea with none of the fuss: lotus root, adzuki beans, cashews and red dates, all simmered together into a clear, sweet pot.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Anyone wanting a gentle, tasty everyday soup to nourish the complexion and support circulation
- Suitable for young and old
- A nourishing family soup with no special cautions; enjoy in normal amounts
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Lotus root (lian ou): plump and sweet in winter, traditionally valued for nourishing and cooling qualities.
- Adzuki beans (hong dou): classic “red food” associated with supporting blood.
- Cashews (yao guo): add richness and natural good fats, rounding out the soup.
- Red dates (hong zao): traditionally used to nourish blood and a healthy glow.
Ingredients (4–5 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Lotus root (lian ou) | 1 section | Peeled, cut small |
| Adzuki beans (hong dou) | 1 liang (~38 g) | Rinsed |
| Cashews (yao guo) | 2 liang (~75 g) | Rinsed |
| Red dates (hong zao) | 5 | Pitted |
| Pork ribs (pai gu) | ~300 g | Blanched |
| Water | 8 bowls | Reduce to 4–5 bowls |
Method
- Peel the lotus root and cut into small pieces; rinse the adzuki beans and cashews; pit the red dates; blanch the pork ribs.
- Put everything in a pot with 8 bowls of water.
- Simmer about 1.5 hours until reduced to 4–5 bowls. Drink the soup and eat some of the solids.
Bro Niu’s tips
This soup is clear, sweet and tasty — good for young and old alike. It is especially welcome for encouraging healthy circulation and supporting a youthful complexion.
Published December 5, 2025 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.
