Soups
Corn, Walnut and Chicken Breast Soup
Traditionally supports the kidneys, strengthens the spleen, and eases damp-cold joint discomfort
Why people make this soup
Corn is one of those ingredients that gives back more than people expect. In Cantonese food therapy, every part of the corn plant has its own role: the husks clear heat and reduce toxins; the silk (corn silk) encourages gentle fluid drainage and eases urinary discomfort; the kernels support the spleen and stimulate appetite; and even the central cob is used to strengthen the spleen and ease digestive stagnation. This soup focuses on the corn kernels, paired with walnuts and chicken breast.
Walnut is one of the most widely eaten kidney-tonifying foods in Chinese tradition — the wrinkled shape is said to resemble the brain and kidney, and it has been used for generations to support lower back strength, brain nourishment, and warmth in the limbs. For people who find their lower back and knees feel cold and weak, or who need to urinate frequently at night, this kind of simple, warming soup makes a practical addition to the weekly routine.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Suitable for all ages, including children and the elderly
- Particularly beneficial for people with lumbar or knee joint discomfort related to cold-damp patterns: cold-aching lower back, weak knees, poor leg strength, frequent night urination
- If corn kernels are unavailable, use 2 fresh corn cobs including the silk — add extra nutritional value and a slightly sweeter broth
- Generally gentle and well-tolerated
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Corn kernels (su mi li): In Chinese food therapy, corn is considered to strengthen the spleen and improve appetite; the silk (xu) that comes with fresh cobs also acts as a gentle diuretic and fluid regulator
- Walnut kernels (he tao rou): Warm and sweet; traditionally associated with tonifying the kidneys and “warming the gate of life” (ming men); also used to support brain function; one of the most practical everyday kidney foods
- Chicken breast: Lean, easy to digest, and high in protein; less tonifying than dark-meat chicken or silkie chicken, which makes this soup light enough for all constitutions
- Red dates (hong zao): Harmonise the formula, support qi and blood, and add natural sweetness to the broth
Ingredients (3–4 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Walnut kernels | 6–8 whole walnuts (shelled) | Shell just before use for freshest flavour |
| Dried or roasted corn kernels | 1 liang (~37 g) | Alternatively, use 2 fresh corn cobs with silk |
| Red dates | 5 | Remove stones |
| Chicken breast | 1 piece (~200–250 g) | Cut into large pieces; blanch briefly first |
Method
- Shell the walnuts.
- Pit the red dates.
- Cut the chicken breast into large pieces and blanch briefly in boiling water; drain and discard the water.
- Combine all ingredients with 7 bowls (~1.75 litres) of water in a pot.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour until reduced to about 3–4 bowls.
- Serve with the soup solids — eat the walnuts, corn, and chicken along with the broth.
Bro Niu’s tips
If dried corn kernels are hard to find, simply use two fresh corn cobs cut into sections — include the silk for added benefit. The soup is light and refreshing, suitable for anyone regardless of constitution. As a snack option, walnuts are excellent: they are filling, good for the brain and kidneys, and will not cause weight gain the way sweet snacks do.
Community questions answered (selected)
- Q (reader): Where can I buy dried corn kernels? Also, I often feel a cold, frozen sensation in my abdomen — what is causing it and how can I improve it? Bro Niu: Roasted corn kernels can be found at specialty snack shops or some Chinese grocery stores. The cold, frozen abdominal feeling often points to a cold-deficient spleen and stomach — eat less raw and cold food, and drink warming ginger tea regularly. Replacing fresh ginger with dried ginger (gan jiang) in soups helps. Mutton soup with ginger, or pork stomach soup with white pepper, are both suitable choices for this pattern.
Published February 26, 2021 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 3 min read.
