Lotus Root, Red Bean, Dried Duck Kidney and Pork Ribs Soup

Why people make this soup

Cold weather has many people reaching for warming soups, but not everyone tolerates the rich, hot-natured broths well. If you tend to feel warm easily, often stay up late, or have a constitution that runs dry, a gentle nourishing soup is a better choice than something heavily warming. Lotus root is a wonderful winter ingredient — it supports circulation and is soothing rather than heating. Paired with dried duck kidney and pork ribs for savory depth, and red beans and red dates for blood nourishment, this soup strikes a balance that most people can enjoy throughout the colder months.

Who it suits / who should be cautious

• Suitable for most adults and children; particularly helpful for those with poor appetite, digestive discomfort, or dull complexion
• Those with very cold constitutions who are looking for strong warming may prefer to add a few slices of fresh ginger, as suggested in the tips below
• If you have any diagnosed blood disorder or are managing a serious medical condition, consult a doctor before using food therapy

Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)

• Lotus root (lian ou): Traditionally associated with clearing heat, moistening the lungs, and supporting healthy circulation; considered gentle and nourishing without being heating
• Red beans (hong dou): Classically used in Cantonese cooking to support spleen function and blood nourishment
• Dried preserved duck kidney (chen ya shen / chen shen): A preserved ingredient prized for tonifying the stomach, supporting digestion, and gently nourishing yin; less drying than dried duck gizzard
• Dried tangerine peel (chen pi): Supports digestive qi, reduces bloating, and helps balance richer ingredients
• Red dates (hong zao): A staple tonic ingredient associated with nourishing blood and calming the spirit
• Pork ribs (pai gu): Provides body and savory richness to the broth

Ingredients (4 bowls)

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Lotus root	2 sections (~400 g)	Peeled and cut into chunks
Red beans	37 g (1 liang)	Soaked and rinsed
Dried preserved duck kidney	2 pieces	Blanched before use
Dried tangerine peel	1 piece	Soaked and rinsed
Red dates	5 pieces	Pitted
Pork ribs	~300 g	Blanched before use
Water	9 bowls (~2.2 L)

Method

1. Peel the lotus root and cut into large chunks.
2. Soak and rinse the red beans and dried tangerine peel separately.
3. Pit the red dates.
4. Blanch the dried duck kidneys and pork ribs in boiling water for a few minutes; drain and rinse.
5. Place all ingredients in a pot with 9 bowls of water.
6. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 2 hours until reduced to about 4 bowls.
7. Serve; eat the soup and the solid ingredients together.

Bro Niu’s tips

This soup is pleasant and mellow — it helps stimulate appetite and is particularly kind to children and elderly people who are eating poorly. If you want a more warming effect to ward off the cold, add a few extra slices of fresh ginger when cooking.

Community questions answered (selected)

• Q (Joyce): I have uterine fibroids and often bleed heavily. Can I drink lotus root and peanut soup? I’m worried about the blood-activating effect making the fibroid bleed. Bro Niu: Lotus root and peanut soup is fine to drink — it won’t cause excessive bleeding. That said, if you are frequently experiencing heavy bleeding, I’d recommend seeing a Chinese medicine doctor for a proper assessment, to avoid developing anaemia.

• Q (anonymous reader): My elderly family member has low haemoglobin. What tea or soup can I make while they’re in hospital? Bro Niu: You can try cooking red beans and red-skinned peanuts (37 g each) with goji berries (11 g) and 5 sliced red dates in 6 bowls of water, reducing to 2 bowls. This is traditionally associated with supporting haemoglobin and strengthening the body.

• Q (Sandy): I normally get period cramps, but lately I’ve been getting lower back pain instead. What can I drink? Bro Niu: If the back pain during menstruation is persistent, it is worth seeing a doctor and also checking bone density. As a supportive measure, try simmering ba ji (morinda root, 19 g), du zhong (eucommia bark, 19 g), and chuan niu xi (cyathula root, 11 g) with 3 slices of ginger and 5 red dates in pork shank broth for 2 hours. This is traditionally associated with strengthening the tendons and bones.

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Published December 1, 2022 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 4 min read.