Lion's Mane, Poria & Soybean Soup

Why people make this soup

As we age, it is natural for memory and mental sharpness to gradually fade — many older adults find themselves forgetting recent events, feeling mentally foggy, or responding more slowly than they used to. In Chinese food therapy, the spleen is considered the root of acquired vitality and is linked to mental clarity, so nourishing it is a traditional first step. Nourilo often recommends this soup as a gentle, easy-to-prepare brew that the whole family can enjoy together, making it a practical addition to any household’s weekly routine.

Method

1. Blanch the pork (or chicken breast) briefly in boiling water; remove and rinse.
2. Soak and rinse the lion’s mane mushroom, poria, soybeans, and red dates.
3. Place all ingredients into a pot with 1.8 L of water.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer and cook for about 2 hours until the beans are fully tender.
5. Serve the broth and eat the soup ingredients together.

Nourilo’s Tips

Soybeans add wonderful richness to this soup and are traditionally associated with brain nourishment, but do not add too many at once — they need to be cooked completely soft before eating. Those with sluggish digestion or a tendency to bloat should eat the beans in smaller amounts. Adding a small piece of dried tangerine peel (chen pi) can help ease any gassiness from the beans.