Fresh Chinese Yam, Sha Shen, Yu Zhu and Quail Soup

Why people make this soup

There’s an old line in Chinese medicine: a child’s “liver tends to be in excess, the spleen tends to be deficient.” In plain terms, little ones can run hot and fussy, while their digestion is still catching up — which can leave them tired, pale and prone to sweating and catching colds. Nourilo’s takeaway is simple: protect the child’s spleen. This soup is traditionally used to strengthen the spleen, boost qi, nourish the lungs and ease phlegm, and is associated with helping a delicate child build resilience against colds and coughs.

Method

1. Clean and blanch the frozen quail; peel and chunk the fresh yam; soak and rinse the sha shen, yu zhu and goji berries.
2. Put all ingredients in a pot with 2.4 L of water.
3. Simmer for about 2 hours down to 1.2 L. Drink the soup and eat the ingredients.

Nourilo’s Tips

Quail is traditionally said to nourish the five organs without being cooling or heating, which makes it ideal for delicate children; frozen quail is sold at larger supermarkets. This soup can also be steamed (double-boiled) for 2 hours instead of simmered.