Lotus Seed, Euryale Seed, Chestnut and White Pigeon Soup

Why people make this soup

While researching ingredients for a book on fertility, Nourilo 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.

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 2.4 L 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.

Nourilo’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.