Sichuan Fritillaria and Partridge Soup

Why people make this soup

Sichuan fritillaria (chuan bei mu) has been one of the most prized herbs in Cantonese respiratory food therapy for centuries — and its price reflects that. It is used for coughs ranging from acute bronchitis to the lingering phlegmy cough that drags on long after a cold has passed. Nourilo often recommends it to families with young children prone to chest congestion, and to older adults whose lungs are simply not as strong as they once were. Paired with partridge — a bird traditionally considered especially nourishing for the lungs and voice — along with figs for gentle sweetness and honey-roasted licorice to build energy and warm the centre, this soup does far more than just suppress a cough. It works on the underlying weakness that makes people cough repeatedly.

One important caution about buying fritillaria: because the genuine Sichuan variety is expensive, fakes are common. Authentic chuan bei mu bulbs always split into two distinct halves — that is their hallmark. Substitute products like tu bei mu or guang ci gu look whole and intact. When buying, pay attention to this detail.

Method

1. Thaw the partridge completely. Clean and gut it, removing the lymph nodes along the neck. Blanch briefly in boiling water, then drain.
2. Rinse and briefly soak the fritillaria bulbs and licorice.
3. Place the partridge, fritillaria, licorice and figs into a pot with 2.4 L of water.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer and cook for approximately 3 hours until reduced to 0.9–1.2 L.
5. Serve warm. Drink the broth and eat the figs; the partridge meat is also nutritious.

Nourilo’s Tips

The choice between honey-roasted licorice (zhi gan cao) and raw licorice (sheng gan cao) matters: raw licorice is better for clearing heat and detoxifying, while the honey-roasted version tonifies and energises — helpful for those who feel tired and weak alongside their cough. You can use either based on the person’s constitution. Breastfeeding mothers can drink this soup without concern. The soup can also include sea coconut (hai di ye) and be made with quail instead of partridge — just make sure any sea coconut purchased is genuine, as fakes are very common.