Soups
Cordyceps Flower, Sha Shen, Yu Zhu and Partridge Soup
Traditionally nourishes yin and is associated with moistening the lungs in dry seasons
Why people make this soup
When autumn turns dry, Bro Niu reaches for yin-nourishing, moistening ingredients — sha shen, yu zhu, lotus seed, lily bulb, snow pear, snow fungus, apricot kernel. This particular pot leans on cordyceps flower and partridge and is traditionally said to nourish yin, moisten dryness and support the complexion. It is a favorite for warding off autumn dryness and easing a dry cough with no phlegm and a parched nose and mouth.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- People feeling the dryness of autumn, with a dry throat, dry cough or dry nose and mouth.
- Naturally clear and sweet, suited to most ages.
- If you worry it is too warming with ginger and red dates, swap the red dates for nan zao (a milder date).
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Cordyceps flower (chong cao hua): traditionally used to moisten the lungs and gently support the body’s reserves.
- Sha shen and yu zhu (sha shen, yu zhu): a classic pair traditionally said to nourish yin and moisten dryness.
- Partridge (zhe gu): a clean, sweet soup meat traditionally valued as a nourishing base.
Ingredients (about 4 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cordyceps flower | ~18 g (5 qian) | Rinse |
| Sha shen | ~18 g (5 qian) | Rinse |
| Yu zhu | ~18 g (5 qian) | Rinse |
| Red dates | 8 pieces | |
| Ginger | 3 slices | |
| Partridge | 1 bird | Cleaned, cut, blanched |
Method
- Clean the partridge, cut into pieces and blanch. Rinse the remaining ingredients.
- Put everything in a pot with 8 bowls of water.
- Simmer about 2 hours, reducing to roughly 4 bowls. Drink the soup and eat the ingredients.
Bro Niu’s tips
This soup is clear, sweet and gentle — suitable for young and old. Taken regularly it is traditionally associated with a glowing, soft complexion.
Community questions answered (selected)
-
Q (Sha Lei): I can’t find partridge — can I use pork or chicken instead? Bro Niu: You can use lean pork; if using chicken, remove the skin.
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Q (Yan Yan): If I have lung weakness with phlegm and sinusitis, is this soup suitable? Bro Niu: Yes, you can make this soup; for the rhinitis, separately steep ~11 g (3 qian) of magnolia flower (xin yi) as a tea.
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Q (Hoi Yiu): Will cordyceps flower partridge soup be too heating with ginger and red dates added? Bro Niu: Partridge soup can take ginger and red dates; if you worry about heat, swap the red dates for nan zao.
Published August 23, 2011 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.
