Fresh Lily Bulb, Lotus Seed & Longan Soup

Why people make this soup

Fresh lotus seeds and fresh lily bulbs are two “food-and-medicine” ingredients that make wonderful soups, sweet or savoury. Fresh lily bulb is traditionally used to calm the heart and settle the mind while nourishing yin and moistening the lung; fresh lotus seed is associated with settling the mind, supporting restful sleep and looking after the heart and blood vessels; and longan flesh is traditionally used to nourish the brain, enrich the blood and calm the spirit. Together they’re a classic comfort for an anxious mind and restless, broken sleep.

Method

1. Separate the lily bulb into petals and wash.
2. Remove the cores from the fresh lotus seeds.
3. Rinse the longan flesh.
4. Add all ingredients to 2.1 L of water and cook for 30 minutes down to 1.2 L. Eat the soup along with the ingredients.

Nourilo’s Tips

This soup works either savoury or sweet — for a sweet version add a little rock sugar; for savoury, cook with lean pork. It’s fine for young and old, and is also traditionally suitable for people with nervous exhaustion. One caution: longan is warming and can be heaty, so pregnant women should not use longan — substitute 6 red dates or black dates instead.