Soups
Fresh Yam, Black Bean, Peanut and Quail Soup
traditionally used to strengthen the spleen and stomach, support nutrient absorption, and nourish the five organs during children's growth years
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. Bro Niu 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.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Suitable for children in their growth years, particularly those with a weak appetite, poor digestion, or who seem to eat adequately but absorb poorly.
- Suitable for the whole family as a general nourishing soup; the elderly and those recovering from illness will also benefit.
- Very young children (under 1 year) should not drink this soup; children 18 months and older can have half a bowl.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Fresh Chinese yam (xian huai shan): One of the most important spleen-strengthening ingredients in Chinese food therapy. Gentle, sweet, and neutral — supports digestion and nutrient absorption, and nourishes the lungs and kidneys. Fresh yam has a higher moisture content and lighter flavour than dried; peel under running water to avoid skin irritation.
- Black beans, green-fleshed (qing ren hei dou): The green-fleshed variety is preferred in Chinese medicine. The theory holds that “green enters the liver, black enters the kidney” — so these beans are believed to nourish both liver and kidney simultaneously, strengthening the root of growth.
- Red-skin peanuts (hong yi hua sheng): The red skin has additional blood-nourishing properties. Peanuts are also rich in protein and healthy fats that support energy and tissue growth.
- Carrot: Naturally sweet, supports spleen function, adds vitamins and colour.
- Quail (ji chun): A small, delicately flavoured bird that is considered to nourish all five organs in Chinese food therapy. Higher in protein per gram than chicken and traditionally used for children. Partridge is equally good — some say even better.
- South dates (nan zao): Mild sweetness; gently nourishes blood without being overly warming.
Ingredients (about 4 bowls, 3–4 servings)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh Chinese yam | 4 liang (~150 g) | Peel and cut into chunks |
| Black beans (green-fleshed) | 1 liang (~38 g) | Rinse and soak |
| Raw peanuts, red skin-on | 2 liang (~75 g) | Rinse and soak |
| Carrot | 1, medium | Peel and cut into chunks |
| Fresh ginger | 2 slices | |
| South dates | 4 | Rinse |
| Frozen quail | 2 birds | Cleaned and blanched |
Method
- Peel the fresh yam and cut into chunks. Rinse the black beans and peanuts and soak briefly.
- Peel the carrot and cut into chunks. Rinse the south dates.
- Clean the quail, blanch briefly in boiling water to remove impurities, and drain.
- Place all ingredients in a pot with 8 bowls of water (about 1.9 litres).
- 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 4 bowls.
- Serve with all the solid ingredients — the children especially should eat the yam, peanuts, and black beans for full benefit.
Bro Niu’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 one liang of dried Chinese yam (huai shan) instead. Fresh peanuts can be used at double the quantity with the same effect. For very picky eaters, Bro Niu suggests not forcing the child to drink soup — instead, incorporate the ingredients into congee or porridge, making them less noticeable.
Community questions answered (selected)
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Q (tiktik, reader): My son is in grade 5 and starting to grow taller, but his airways are sensitive (nose allergy, easy nosebleeds), and he doesn’t gain weight despite eating. What soups do you suggest, and how often? Bro Niu: For frequent nosebleeds, try fresh imperata root (a small bundle), three fresh lotus root knots, and one cored snow pear in four bowls of water, cooked to two bowls. One to two times a week. For helping him gain weight, cook Chinese yam, lotus seeds, poria, euryale seeds, and red dates with spare ribs — this strengthens the spleen for better absorption. One to two times a week as well.
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Q (Anne, reader): My eight-year-old son doesn’t gain weight or height at the expected pace despite good sleep, exercise, and varied diet. Both parents are tall. Any other soups besides this one? Bro Niu: You can try three qian of raw tian qi (notoginseng), one liang of Chinese yam, three qian of goji berries, a pair of sea horses (hai ma), and six red dates with lean pork in eight bowls of water, cooked to four bowls. Divide over two days. One to two times a week — it may help.
Published February 23, 2019 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 4 min read.
