Cordyceps Spore Winter Melon Chicken Breast Soup

Why people make this soup

When the weather turns hot, Nourilo likes to reach for seasonal melons to make a cooling soup — but a good summer soup should also be nourishing, to help keep you strong against the bugs going around. This one pairs plump cordyceps spore heads with winter melon and corn for a soup that is light and refreshing yet building. The cordyceps spore heads are richer and more aromatic than the more familiar cordyceps flower, and are traditionally regarded as supporting the body’s defences.

Method

1. Rinse the cordyceps spore heads briefly. Husk the corn and cut into pieces. Wash the winter melon (skin on), deseed and cut into chunks. Cut up the chicken breast and blanch it.
2. Place everything into a pot with 2.4 L of water.
3. Bring to a boil, then simmer for about 1.5 hours until reduced to 1.2–1.5 L. Serve.

Nourilo’s Tips

This soup is savoury and suits young and old. It is traditionally associated with nourishing the lung and kidney, supporting the liver, and slowing the signs of ageing.