Soups
Lotus Seed, Fat Choy and Lean Pork Soup
Traditionally strengthens the spleen and clears phlegm-heat, associated with blood-pressure support
Why people make this soup
This lotus seed, fat choy and lean pork soup is traditionally said to strengthen the spleen, harmonize the stomach and clear phlegm-heat. It is traditionally favored by those managing high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, coronary issues or weight concerns who also tend toward a weak spleen with phlegm — the kind who eat little, tire easily and have loose stools.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- People with a weak-spleen, phlegm-prone constitution who want a clear, gentle, supportive soup.
- Keep salt low and the overall diet light if managing blood pressure.
- High blood pressure should be managed with a doctor; this soup supports rather than replaces care.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Fat choy / black moss (fa cai): high in calcium and traditionally said to clear heat, resolve phlegm and soften nodules; it is also associated with supporting blood lipids and blood pressure.
- Lotus seed (lian zi): traditionally used to strengthen the spleen and calm the mind.
- Red dates (hong zao): warm and nourishing, traditionally said to support qi and blood.
Ingredients (3–4 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh lotus seeds | ~75 g (2 liang) | Or ~38 g (1 liang) dried; remove the hearts |
| Fat choy (fa cai) | ~18 g (5 qian) | Soak until soft |
| Lean pork | ~300 g (half a jin) | Sliced |
| Red dates, pitted | 6 pieces |
Method
- Remove the hearts from the fresh lotus seeds. Soak the fat choy until soft. Slice the pork.
- Put everything in a pot with water.
- Simmer about 2 hours, then eat the soup with the ingredients.
Bro Niu’s tips
Fat choy is high in calcium and traditionally said to clear heat, resolve phlegm and help with blood lipids and blood pressure. Choose fat choy that is jet-black, long-stranded, with little grit, fluffy and dry with a touch of springiness and a clean fragrance.
Community questions answered (selected)
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Q (alison): Is this soup suitable for pregnant women? I’m 28 weeks and 5 days pregnant with high blood pressure — any soups or teas suitable for me? Bro Niu: This soup suits you. At over 7 months pregnant you can also have fish-head tofu soup or vegetarian borscht — nourishing, blood-pressure-friendly and not too cooling. Just avoid ginseng and deer antler (strongly tonifying, blood-pressure-raising), and keep your diet balanced.
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Q (angel): In the photo there seems to be something like white beans — is it? Bro Niu: Soybeans are commonly called “white beans” at grocery stores.
Published March 4, 2010 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.
