Soups
Fresh Chinese Yam, Goji, Chestnut and Morel Soup
Traditionally used to support the brain and kidney and lift energy
Why people make this soup
Autumn and winter are chestnut season. Bro Niu loves them braised with chicken or ribs, and boiled they make a fine vegetarian side with greens. Buying morels at the Chinese-medicine shop, he spotted dried chestnuts too — handy to keep on hand — so he picked some up. Chestnuts are known as the “fruit of the kidney” and are traditionally said to support the brain and kidney, and they’re rich in folate. Morels are nourishing for the gut, the constitution and the spirit. Add spleen- and lung-supporting Chinese yam, liver- and eye-supporting goji, and blood-nourishing red dates, and you have a fine cold-weather pot.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Good for young and old; especially nourishing for those who feel weary and run-down, or whose memory and focus feel dim.
- A gentle, balanced everyday soup with no strong cautions.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Chestnuts (li zi): the “fruit of the kidney,” traditionally said to support the brain and kidney.
- Morels (yang du jun): traditionally nourish the gut, build the constitution and lift the spirit.
- Fresh Chinese yam (xian huai shan): traditionally supports the spleen and lungs.
- Goji berries (gou qi zi): traditionally nourish the liver and support the eyes.
- Red dates (hong zao): support the spleen and nourish the blood.
Ingredients (4–5 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh Chinese yam | 4 liang (~150 g) | Peeled, cut into chunks |
| Goji berries | 3 qian (~11 g) | Soaked, washed |
| Morel mushrooms | 4 | Soaked, washed |
| Chestnuts | 8 | Soaked, washed |
| Red dates | 5 | Pitted |
| Carrot | 1–2 | Peeled, cut into chunks |
Method
- Peel the fresh yam and carrot and cut into chunks.
- Soak and wash the other ingredients; pit the red dates.
- Put everything into a pot with 8 bowls of water.
- Cook about 1.5 hours until reduced to 4–5 bowls. Serve the soup together with the ingredients.
Bro Niu’s tips
This time there’s no meat — just carrot to keep the broth clear and sweet, suiting young and old. It’s very nourishing for those who feel tired and run-down or whose mental energy is flagging.
Community questions answered (selected)
- Q (May): I have protein in my urine — is this soup suitable, and can you suggest a vegetarian soup for it? Bro Niu: You can regularly use ginkgo nuts (10, cores removed) and fox nut (1 liang) cooked into a glutinous-rice congee. This soup is fine to drink too.
Published January 20, 2026 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.
