Soups
Lotus Seed, Lily, and Red Bean Sweet Soup
traditionally used to nourish blood, support a healthy complexion, and calm an unsettled mind
Why people make this sweet soup
Red beans (hong dou / adzuki beans) are a remarkably versatile wellness food in the Chinese culinary tradition. They are rich in fibre, plant protein, iron, and antioxidants, and are among the gentlest ingredients in Cantonese food therapy — suitable for children, pregnant women, those near menopause, nursing mothers, and the elderly. Traditional food therapy associates them with nourishing blood, supporting the heart, and aiding fluid metabolism. When combined with fresh lotus seeds (which calm the heart-mind and support spleen function) and lily bulb (another calming, lung-nourishing ingredient), the result is a naturally sweet, satisfying dessert soup that is as comforting as it is nourishing — and one that also supports a healthy cholesterol balance according to Bro Niu.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Suited to virtually all adults and children; particularly good for those with mild insomnia, nervousness, fatigue, and pale complexion.
- Good for women at all life stages — pregnancy, breastfeeding, perimenopause, and beyond.
- Elderly individuals may benefit from regular consumption, as red beans are associated with reducing fracture risk by supporting bone-related nutrients.
- Those with constipation are welcome to drink the broth but should eat less of the lotus seeds and fox nut (qian shi), as these have an astringent, binding quality.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Red beans (hong dou / adzuki): Rich in antioxidants and plant protein; traditionally associated with nourishing blood, supporting heart function, and promoting fluid metabolism.
- Lotus seeds (lian zi): Traditionally used to tonify the spleen, calm the heart-mind, and ease restlessness. Fresh lotus seeds are in season and especially aromatic.
- Lily bulb (bai he): A cooling, calming ingredient traditionally associated with easing anxiety and insomnia, and nourishing lung and heart yin.
- Rock sugar: Adds gentle sweetness and, in traditional food therapy, is considered slightly moistening — preferable to cane sugar for cooling desserts.
Ingredients (3–4 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Red beans (adzuki) | 2 liang (~75 g) | Soak for 1–2 hours, rinse |
| Fresh lotus seeds | 2 liang (~75 g) | Remove the bitter green core; or substitute dried lotus seeds 1 liang (~38 g) |
| Dried lily bulb (bai he) | 1 liang (~38 g) | Rinse and soak |
| Rock sugar | to taste | Add toward the end of cooking |
| Water | 7 bowls (~1.4 L) | — |
Method
- Soak and rinse the red beans (1–2 hours recommended).
- Remove the bitter green core from fresh lotus seeds; rinse clean.
- Rinse and soak the dried lily bulb.
- Combine all ingredients except rock sugar in a pot with 7 bowls of water.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer for 1 hour until the beans are tender.
- Add rock sugar to taste and stir until dissolved.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
Bro Niu’s tips
Fresh lotus seeds are in season right now — if you can find them, use whole fresh lotus seeds (with the green core, which has its own heart-calming function) at 2 liang. If only dried lotus seeds are available, use 1 liang of the dried version instead. This sweet soup is naturally fragrant and lovely. It also supports healthy cholesterol levels and clears heart fire. It is particularly beneficial for those who get cold hands and feet — warming their constitution while still being nourishing. If you want to add a stronger blood-nourishing effect, you can stir in a spoonful of lotus root starch (ou fen) at the end.
Community questions answered (selected)
- Q (Ya Bao): My doctor says I am underweight. How can I gain weight? Bro Niu: If you do not have an eating disorder, try regularly eating a porridge or soup made with huai shan (Chinese yam), lotus seeds, qian shi (fox nut), and fu ling (poria), using about 5 qian each. Add some chen pi and red dates. Eating the solid ingredients (not just the broth) is important for nutritional benefit.
Published September 14, 2022 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 3 min read.
