Lotus Seed, Euryale Seed, Chestnut and White Pigeon Soup

Why people make this soup

While researching ingredients for a book on fertility, Bro Niu discovered that white pigeon (squab) is a traditionally favoured ingredient for reproductive support in Chinese food therapy. The reasoning is grounded in classical observation: pigeons reproduce with remarkable frequency, driven by unusually active sex hormone secretion — and traditional food therapy drew a connection between this and the pigeon’s supportive role for human reproductive vitality. Whether or not one accepts this logic literally, pigeon is genuinely a nutrient-dense protein source with a long culinary history in Chinese medicine for supporting liver and kidney function. Paired with lotus seeds, euryale seeds, and chestnuts — all classically spleen- and kidney-strengthening ingredients — the result is a mild, nourishing soup that the whole family can enjoy.

Who it suits / who should be cautious

• Good for the whole family, including people with a weak spleen and poor appetite, frequent night urination, or aching lower back and knees.
• Men with reduced sperm motility may find this a helpful addition to a balanced wellness routine, according to traditional food-therapy guidance.
• Those trying to conceive — both women and men — may benefit from regular servings.
• Avoid if you have an active cold or flu (unresolved external illness).
• Avoid if you have constipation — the astringent lotus seeds and euryale seeds will worsen it.

Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)

• White pigeon / squab (bai ge): Traditionally associated with nourishing liver and kidney, supporting yang qi, and benefiting reproductive vitality in both men and women. A high-quality, lean protein with delicate flavour.
• Lotus seeds (lian zi): Warm and astringent. Strengthen the spleen and stomach, calm the mind, and support kidney essence. Remove the green bitter core if present.
• Euryale seeds / fox nuts (qian shi): Often called the “water lotus seed.” Astringent and kidney-supportive. Pairs classically with lotus seeds to consolidate qi and essence. Helps with frequent urination or nocturia.
• Chestnuts (li zi): Warming. Traditionally associated with strengthening the kidney, spleen, and lower back. Easily digested when cooked long and soft. Blanching in boiling water makes peeling straightforward.
• Fresh ginger (sheng jiang): Warms the middle and removes any gamey notes from the pigeon.

Ingredients (3–4 bowls)

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Lotus seeds (lian zi)	~38 g	Soak 20 min; remove the bitter green core if present
Euryale seeds (qian shi)	~38 g	Rinse and soak 20 min
Chestnuts (li zi)	~113 g	Drop into boiling water for 2–3 min; peel while warm
Fresh ginger	3 slices
White pigeon / squab	1 whole	Cleaned; blanch briefly before cooking
Water	8 bowls (~1.5 L)

Method

1. Drop chestnuts into boiling water for 2–3 minutes; drain and peel while still warm. (The inner skin should come away with the outer shell.)
2. Soak lotus seeds and euryale seeds in cold water for about 20 minutes; rinse.
3. Bring a pot of water to the boil. Blanch the cleaned pigeon briefly; remove and rinse.
4. Place all ingredients — pigeon, lotus seeds, euryale seeds, chestnuts, and ginger — into a large pot with 8 bowls of fresh water.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a low simmer. Cook for 2 hours.
6. Season lightly with salt. Serve warm, eating the soup together with the solid ingredients.

Bro Niu’s tips

This soup is nourishing and gentle — suitable for the whole family on a regular basis. Eat the chestnuts and lotus seeds as well as drinking the broth, as much of the benefit comes from the ingredients themselves. If pigeon is unavailable where you live, a piece of chicken breast or a lean pork shank (zhu zhan) makes a reasonable substitute, though the traditional quality differs. Frozen squab is widely available at Asian frozen meat shops and online, and is perfectly suitable.

Community questions answered (selected)

• Q (Angel): Where do you buy squab? Bro Niu: Squab is available frozen or chilled at Asian frozen meat shops and some specialty poultry suppliers. Fresh squab is rarely available — frozen is fine.

• Q (妮): Is there a substitute if I can’t find squab? Also, is black bean, red date, carrot and pork bone soup suitable for pregnancy in the first trimester to support the pregnancy? Bro Niu: You can substitute with chicken breast or pork shank. The black bean soup is suitable for early pregnancy. For supporting the pregnancy directly, the best option is a mulberry mistletoe (sang ji sheng), lotus seed, and red date tea — that is the classic stable-pregnancy brew.

• Q (Stephen): Does the pigeon need to be a specific size? Only frozen squab is available here — is that okay? Bro Niu: Frozen squab is perfectly fine.

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Published June 10, 2018 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 4 min read.