Lotus Root, Chestnut, Corn and Hyacinth Bean Soup

Why people make this soup

If you spend long hours in front of a screen and notice tension or discomfort in your neck and shoulders, you are not alone. In traditional Chinese food therapy, chronic neck stiffness related to desk work is often associated with deficiency of both qi (vital energy) and blood, leading to poor local circulation. Bro Niu reaches for this clear, naturally sweet soup when he wants something that supports the body without being heavy — no meat needed, just wholesome plant ingredients that work gently together. It is particularly refreshing in summer.

Who it suits / who should be cautious

• Suitable for most adults and children; the soup is naturally sweet and mild.
• People with neck fatigue, mild water retention, or a tendency toward tiredness may find it helpful.
• Note from the source: if you have G6PD deficiency, avoid large hyacinth beans (they are botanically similar to broad beans); substitute black beans or red kidney beans instead.
• Those with an ongoing cold or flu can still drink the soup — just skip eating the chestnuts, as they are harder for a weakened digestive system to handle.

Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)

• Lotus root (lian ou): Traditionally considered cooling and blood-nourishing; rich in iron and starch. In Chinese dietary thinking it is said to “nourish the heart and strengthen the bones.” Important: cook lotus root in a clay or ceramic pot — metal pots will turn the soup dark.
• Chestnut (li zi): Warming in nature, traditionally associated with supporting kidney function, strengthening the sinews, and benefiting the lower back.
• Corn (su mi): Adds natural sweetness and is traditionally used to support urination and reduce mild puffiness.
• Hyacinth bean (da hua dou): A legume traditionally valued for strengthening the spleen, supporting kidney qi, and — interestingly — helping to reduce excess fat absorbed from meat dishes.
• Dried tangerine peel (chen pi): Used in virtually every Chinese soup as a digestive aid; balances the heavier ingredients and prevents bloating.

Ingredients (4–5 bowls)

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Lotus root (lian ou)	~600 g	Peeled, cut into thick chunks
Chestnuts (li zi)	~115 g	Blanched in boiling water, skin removed
Corn on the cob (su mi)	2 ears	Husked, cut into 4–5 cm sections
Large hyacinth beans (da hua dou)	~75 g	Soaked and rinsed; substitute black beans if needed
Dried tangerine peel (chen pi)	1 piece	Soaked until soft, rinsed
Water	8 bowls (~1.6 L)

Method

1. Peel the lotus root and cut into thick chunks. Rinse under cold water.
2. Drop the chestnuts into boiling water for 1–2 minutes, then drain and peel off the inner skin.
3. Husk the corn and cut each ear into 4–5 sections.
4. Soak the hyacinth beans and dried tangerine peel in fresh water for 20–30 minutes; drain and rinse.
5. Place all ingredients into a clay or ceramic pot with 8 bowls of water.
6. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a medium-low simmer for 2 hours.
7. Serve warm; eat both the soup and the solid ingredients together.

Bro Niu’s tips

• Use a clay or ceramic pot — metal reacts with lotus root and will darken the soup.
• If someone at the table has a cold, they can still have the soup; just advise them to eat less of the chestnuts.
• Readers have asked about substitutes for hyacinth beans: black beans, red kidney beans, or yellow soybeans all work well.
• If there is dampness (湿气重, shi qi zhong — a feeling of heaviness or mild bloating), add a small handful of hyacinth beans or mung beans.

Community questions answered (selected)

• Q (mimi): Can I add black beans and dried octopus to this soup? Bro Niu: Yes — black beans and dried octopus are a great addition. The soup becomes even more nourishing.

• Q (reader): My child has G6PD. Can she eat the large hyacinth beans? Bro Niu: It is safer for G6PD children to avoid large hyacinth beans, as they are botanically similar to broad beans. Use black beans as a substitute.

• Q (reader): Can someone with a cold that has not fully cleared drink this soup? Bro Niu: Yes, the soup is fine. Just eat fewer chestnuts — when digestion is weakened by a cold, chestnuts can sit heavily in the stomach.

---

---

Published June 5, 2016 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 3 min read.