Soups
Lily Bulb, Goji, Snow Fungus, Conch and Chicken Feet Soup
Traditionally used to nourish yin, moisten dryness and support tired eyes
Why people make this soup
A friend gave Bro Niu a packet of dried red conch. Conch is traditionally said to nourish yin, moisten dryness, settle the mind for sleep and ease dry, tired eyes. Lily bulb, goji and snow fungus are everyday soup staples that especially suit people who stay up late. Adding the conch and chicken feet makes the broth sweet and full-bodied, rich in nourishment and lovely for the whole family.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Night owls and anyone with dryness or tired, dry eyes; the source calls it an excellent autumn-and-winter nourishing soup the whole family can share.
- Generally gentle; as with any rich soup, go easy if your digestion is delicate.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Conch (luo tou): Traditionally nourishes yin, moistens dryness, calms the mind and supports tired, dry eyes.
- Lily bulb (bai he): Moistening and calming.
- Snow fungus (xue er): A classic moistening, skin-loving ingredient.
- Goji berries (gou qi zi): Nourish the liver and support the eyes.
- Chicken feet (ji jiao): Rich in collagen; traditionally said to support qi and blood and benefit the spleen and stomach, and they turn soft and tender after long simmering.
Ingredients (4–5 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dried lily bulb | ~38 g | Rinse and soak |
| Goji berries | ~11 g | Rinse and soak |
| Snow fungus | ~11 g | Soak, trim away the hard stem base |
| Red dates | 5 | Pitted |
| Fresh ginger | 3 slices | |
| Dried conch | ~113 g | Soak |
| Chicken feet | 6 | Fresh or chilled |
Method
- Rinse and soak the lily bulb, snow fungus and goji; trim the snow fungus stems; pit the red dates.
- Soak the conch, then blanch it together with the chicken feet.
- Simmer everything in 9 bowls of water for 2 hours down to 4–5 bowls, and serve.
Bro Niu’s tips
If you can’t get fresh chicken feet, chilled ones are fine. This soup is beautifying, supports qi and blood and the eyes, and slows the feel of ageing — an excellent autumn-and-winter nourishing soup.
Community questions answered (selected)
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Q (Ling): How long should I soak the conch? Bro Niu: Half an hour is enough — the key is to simmer it for 2 full hours so it gives up its flavour.
-
Q (Dion): My child keeps breaking out in hives (wind rash) on the face, hands and feet every evening these past few days. What’s going on, and is there a soup that can help? Bro Niu: Keep a note of what your child ate or touched on the days the rash appeared — food allergy is the most likely cause, so test each item to find the trigger and then avoid it. In the meantime, simmer black soybeans (~38 g), black sesame (~19 g) and 6 black or nan dates in 5 bowls of water down to 2 bowls, 3–4 times a week, which can help reduce the hives.
Published September 15, 2025 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.
