Lotus Root, Peanut, Black Bean & Dried Octopus Soup

Why people make this soup

Many new mothers today choose to breastfeed, knowing that breast milk is the best nourishment for their baby. But stress, fatigue, or a body that is still recovering after birth can sometimes lead to insufficient milk supply. This warming, flavourful soup draws on classic Chinese food-therapy thinking: lotus root calms the nerves and supports circulation; peanuts, black beans, and dried figs have long been used together in Cantonese postpartum cooking to gently nourish the body and encourage milk flow. The dried octopus adds a deep savoury richness that makes the broth genuinely delicious — it is a soup the whole household will want a bowl of, not just the new mum.

Method

1. Peel the lotus root and cut into large chunks.
2. Soak and rinse the peanuts and black beans separately.
3. Halve the dried figs.
4. Blanch the dried octopus briefly in boiling water to remove any impurities, then drain.
5. Combine all ingredients in a pot with 2.4 L of water.
6. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for about 1.5 hours until the liquid reduces to roughly 1.2 L.
7. Serve with the soup ingredients — everything in the pot is edible and nutritious.

Nourilo’s Tips

This soup is blood-nourishing and gentle enough for most of the family. If you want a richer, more savoury broth, add one piece of pork shank (pig knuckle or pork shin) when you put everything in the pot. One important note: lotus root does not get along well with iron cookware — the tannins in lotus root can react with iron and turn the soup dark. Use a ceramic, clay, or glass pot for best results.