Soups
Lily Bulb, Goji and Abalone Soup
Traditionally nourishes yin and calms the mind
Why people make this soup
City life puts a lot of pressure on people, and Bro Niu notes that ongoing tension can wear away at sleep and calm. This soup pairs lily bulb, goji, and dried abalone — a combination traditionally used to nourish yin and settle the mind. It is the kind of warm, restorative bowl people turn to when they feel keyed-up, restless, sleeping poorly, with night sweats or a fluttery heart. Think of it as gentle support, not a cure.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- People feeling tense, restless, with poor sleep, night sweats, or dizziness of a depletion type.
- Suitable for pregnant women across the whole pregnancy; lean pork can be swapped for chicken.
- If goji or other herbs smell sour or sulfur-treated, soak at least 30 minutes and discard the water before cooking.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Lily bulb (bai he): a classic for calming the mind and nourishing the heart.
- Goji berries (qi zi): traditionally used to nourish and brighten; black goji works too.
- Dried abalone (bao yu): a prized ingredient associated with nourishing yin; sea cucumber can stand in.
- Ginger (sheng jiang): a couple of slices to balance and add aroma.
Ingredients (3–4 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dried abalone | ~75 g | or sea cucumber |
| Dried lily bulb | ~37 g | |
| Goji berries | ~37 g | |
| Fresh ginger | 2 slices | |
| Lean pork | ~225 g | or chicken |
| Water | 8 bowls |
Method
- Soak the abalone in warm water until soft; remove the gut and blanch.
- Blanch the lean pork. Soak and rinse the lily bulb and goji.
- Put everything in the pot with 8 bowls of water.
- Simmer 3 hours down to 3–4 bowls. Drink the soup and eat the ingredients.
Bro Niu’s tips
This soup is traditionally enjoyed for the depletion-type restlessness and can be taken regularly. If you have no abalone, sea cucumber can replace it.
Community questions answered (selected)
- Q (Suki): Is this lily-goji-abalone soup suitable for any stage of pregnancy? Can I swap pork for chicken and chicken feet? Bro Niu: This soup is fine for pregnant women; the lean pork can be changed to chicken.
- Q (Amy): I drank a bowl and felt a slightly sore throat — is that “deficiency-fire”? Should I use less goji or skip the ginger? Bro Niu: This soup is not heating. But if the goji has been sulfur-treated it can feel hot — always soak it at least half an hour and pour off the water before cooking, since sulfur is mildly toxic and heating.
- Q (Kum): Would black goji be even better for calming anxiety? Bro Niu: Yes, you can use black goji.
Published June 8, 2011 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.
