Coco de Mer, Snow Fungus, and Lily Bulb Soup (Hai Di Ye Xue Er Bai He Tang)

Why people make this soup

Air pollution, long-term smoking, and chronic respiratory inflammation all take a gradual toll on the lungs. Traditional food therapy suggests that supporting the lungs should be an ongoing daily habit rather than something reserved for when you are already ill. This soup — with its combination of authentic coco de mer, snow fungus, and lily bulb — is Nourilo’s go-to recipe for keeping the respiratory system nourished and resilient. It is associated in traditional practice with dissolving phlegm, soothing cough, and supporting smooth, comfortable breathing. The soup is naturally sweet and pleasant, making it easy to drink regularly.

Method

1. Soak the snow fungus in cold water for 20–30 minutes until fully expanded and softened. Remove and discard the tough yellow stem. Tear or cut into smaller pieces.
2. Rinse the lily bulb, apricot kernels, and dried figs in cold water and drain.
3. Wash and slice the lean pork. Blanch briefly in boiling water to remove impurities; drain.
4. Place all ingredients into a large pot or clay pot. Add approximately 2.4 L of water.
5. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a low simmer. Cover and cook for about 2 hours.
6. Taste and season lightly with a pinch of salt if desired. Serve warm; drink the broth and eat some of the snow fungus, lily bulb, and other soup ingredients.

Nourilo’s Tips

• The most important thing about this recipe is sourcing genuine coco de mer. Most products labelled “sea coconut” in shops are not the authentic African variety (Lodoicea maldivica from the Seychelles) — they are dried palm fruit from Southeast Asia, which has a completely different profile and little traditional therapeutic value. Genuine coco de mer slices should have a distinctive jagged, tooth-like edge and visible fibre grain in the flesh. If you cannot find the genuine article, simply increase the amounts of snow fungus, lily bulb, and apricot kernels — you will get a very effective soup without it.
• This soup is not cold in nature (not cooling) and not drying either — it is balanced and pleasant. Suitable year-round; Nourilo confirms: “not cold, not drying.”
• Vegetarians can omit the pork completely — the herbs carry the therapeutic value.
• Red dates can substitute for figs if figs are unavailable.