Fresh Yam, Black Bean, Peanut and Quail Soup

Why people make this soup

Most children who grow at their expected pace simply need balanced nutrition, adequate sleep, and regular physical activity. But parents of children who seem to eat well yet don’t gain weight or height as expected often turn to Cantonese food therapy for additional support. The upper primary school years — roughly grades 5 and 6, or ages 10 to 12 — are considered a key growth window. Nourilo emphasises that for protein to be effectively used for growth, it must be consumed together with carbohydrates (so bread, rice, or noodles alongside protein-rich soup is ideal), and that picky eating is perhaps the biggest obstacle to healthy development.

Sleep is also critically important: growth hormone (a protein-based hormone) is secreted primarily during the deep sleep that follows within 30–60 minutes of falling asleep, and the sleep cycle repeats every 60–90 minutes. Primary school children ideally need 8–9 hours of sleep a night.

This soup supports these goals through the spleen and stomach — in Chinese medicine, the organ system responsible for digestion, nutrient absorption, and the production of qi and blood from food.

Method

1. Peel the fresh yam and cut into chunks. Rinse the black beans and peanuts and soak briefly.
2. Peel the carrot and cut into chunks. Rinse the south dates.
3. Clean the quail, blanch briefly in boiling water to remove impurities, and drain.
4. Place all ingredients in a pot with 2.4 L of water.
5. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat, then reduce to a medium-low simmer and cook for 1.5 hours until the liquid reduces to about 1.2 L.
6. Serve with all the solid ingredients — the children especially should eat the yam, peanuts, and black beans for full benefit.

Nourilo’s Tips

This soup is naturally sweet and easy for children to enjoy. If quail is hard to find, one silkie chicken (or any free-range chicken) makes a very good substitute. If fresh Chinese yam is not available, use 38 g of dried Chinese yam (huai shan) instead. Fresh peanuts can be used at double the quantity with the same effect. For very picky eaters, Nourilo suggests not forcing the child to drink soup — instead, incorporate the ingredients into congee or porridge, making them less noticeable.