Fresh Lotus Seed, Lily Bulb & Silkie Chicken Soup

Why people make this soup

Extended periods at home — whether due to lockdowns, illness, or economic uncertainty — take a quiet toll on the mind. Even without immediate crisis, the constant background hum of worry about work, finances, and an unknown future can disrupt sleep, make the mind race, and leave the body feeling perpetually fatigued. When external circumstances cannot be changed, Cantonese food therapy suggests a practical response: nourish your body now so you have the vitality to face what comes next. Fresh lotus seeds are only available for a brief season each summer, and Nourilo always recommends making the most of them when they appear. Combined with lily bulb and silkie chicken, this soup supports the heart, calms the spirit, and eases the restless, tired-but-wired feeling that marks emotional overload.

Method

1. Remove the bitter core from each fresh lotus seed (push it out with a toothpick or skewer). Rinse the seeds.
2. Rinse the lily bulb and scallops. Soak scallops in a little water for 20–30 minutes until soft.
3. Pit the red dates.
4. Joint the silkie chicken into large pieces. Blanch in a pot of boiling water for 2 minutes; drain and rinse.
5. Place all ingredients into a pot with 2.4–2.7 L of water.
6. Bring to a boil, reduce to a medium simmer, and cook for 90 minutes until reduced to about 1.2–1.5 L.
7. Serve — drink the soup and eat the lotus seeds, lily bulb, and chicken together.

Nourilo’s Tips

Fresh lotus seeds contain more vitamins and minerals than the dried version, and they cook faster and have a tender, slightly milky texture. The lotus seed core, which you remove before cooking, is mildly bitter and can be brewed on its own as a simple cooling tea — it is traditionally associated with clearing heart fire and helping to lower blood pressure. If fresh lotus seeds are unavailable, substitute 40 g of dried lotus seeds (with skin if possible — they offer slightly better nourishing quality). For those with anaemia or constitutionally weak bodies who find tonics hard to digest, this soup is ideal — it nourishes gently and thoroughly without being too heavy.