Soups
Codonopsis, Chestnut and Teal Duck Soup
Traditionally used to nourish the kidneys, strengthen the lower back and build the constitution
Why people make this soup
I still remember a trip back to my home village when a neighbour returned from the codonopsis-growing region of Shanxi with pounds of dried root — thick, sweet, almost like sugarcane when cooked. Codonopsis is traditionally valued for supporting energy and the body’s defences. Here I simmer it with chestnut and teal duck into a soup traditionally used to nourish the liver and kidneys, replenish qi and blood, strengthen the lower back and knees, and moisten dryness — a lovely choice for the dry season.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Those wanting gentle support for the kidneys, lower back and overall constitution in dry weather; suitable for young and old.
- Teal duck tempers the warming nature of codonopsis. People with high blood pressure should use only a small amount of codonopsis (within about 3 qian) and only if genuinely depleted.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Codonopsis (dang shen): Traditionally used to replenish qi and support the body’s defences and digestion.
- Chestnut (li zi): Traditionally used to nourish the kidneys and strengthen the lower back and knees.
- Teal duck (shui ya): Lean and nourishing; traditionally said to nourish yin and offset the warmth of codonopsis.
- Red dates and ginger: Round out the flavour and warm the soup.
Ingredients (4 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Codonopsis (dang shen) | ~19 g | Rinse and soak |
| Chestnuts | ~110 g | Peeled |
| Red dates | 6 | Pitted |
| Fresh ginger | 3 slices | |
| Teal duck | 1 | Cut and blanched |
| Water | 8–9 bowls | Reduced to 4 |
Method
- Rinse and soak the codonopsis. Peel the chestnuts. Pit the red dates.
- Clean the teal duck, chop into pieces and blanch.
- Add all ingredients to 8–9 bowls of water and simmer 2 hours until reduced to about 4 bowls.
Bro Niu’s tips
This soup is fragrant and tasty, suitable for young and old. The teal duck reduces the warming nature of the codonopsis; you can also use silkie chicken instead.
Community questions answered (selected)
- Q (Wing): Can people with high blood pressure use codonopsis in soup? Bro Niu: With high blood pressure it’s best not to use too much ginseng-type herb, but if your qi and blood really are weak, up to 3 qian of codonopsis is acceptable.
- Q (Joey): I’ve heard goose and duck are “poisons” — does teal duck count? Bro Niu: Goose and duck are not poisons. Goose meat is a “triggering food” (it may worsen active inflammation). Duck is fine too — just that large, fatty farmed ducks may be raised with hormones, so don’t over-eat. Teal duck has little fat and is nourishing and yin-replenishing.
Published December 1, 2024 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.
