Lotus Seed, Lily Bulb, Longan and Quail Egg Sweet Soup

Why people make this soup

Modern city life brings heavy pressure and frayed nerves, and many people — especially those doing a lot of mental work — end up frazzled, forgetful, unable to focus, and sleeping badly, sometimes with headaches or dizziness. This gentle sweet soup of lotus seed, lily bulb, longan and quail egg is traditionally associated with supporting the spleen, nourishing the blood, and calming the mind.

Method

1. Hard-boil the quail eggs and peel them.
2. Soak and rinse the lotus seeds and lily bulb separately; rinse the longan.
3. Simmer the lotus seeds, lily bulb and longan in 2.1 L of water for 45 minutes, reducing to about 1.2 L.
4. Add the quail eggs and rock sugar; once the sugar dissolves, serve.

Nourilo’s Tips

Quail eggs are neutral in nature and traditionally associated with replenishing depletion and supporting qi and blood. Besides fresh ones, you can buy canned, pre-peeled quail eggs — open and use, very convenient. If you have none, hard-boiled chicken eggs work as a substitute.