Lotus Root, Goji Berry, and Geoduck Clam Soup

Why people make this soup

Lower back pain is something many people accept as an unavoidable part of ageing — but Nourilo always says it is worth paying attention to early. In younger and middle-aged adults, waking up with a stiff, uncomfortable lower back that gradually eases with movement is a pattern worth noting: it can be an early sign of changes to the intervertebral discs or the ligaments and joint capsules around the lumbar spine. Left unaddressed, these changes may progress toward hypertrophic spondylitis or sciatic nerve compression. From the inside, supporting bone and joint health through diet is genuinely helpful. Foods rich in calcium, phosphorus, protein, and vitamins — including legumes and tofu, sea fish, shellfish, shrimp, egg yolk, and dairy — are all particularly relevant. This soup brings together lotus root for its high calcium content and spleen-strengthening properties, with goji berries for liver-kidney nourishment, and geoduck clam — one of the most protein-rich shellfish available — for its traditional association with tonifying the kidneys and strengthening the lower back. The result is a fresh, naturally sweet soup that the whole family can enjoy regularly.

Method

1. Peel the lotus root and carrot and cut into large chunks. Rinse the goji berries.
2. If using fresh geoduck: remove the shell and clean the meat thoroughly; set aside to add later.
3. Place all ingredients except the geoduck into a pot with 2.4 L of water.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer.
5. Cook for about 1.5 hours (90 minutes), until the lotus root is tender and the broth is flavourful.
6. Add the fresh geoduck clam meat and simmer for a further 5 minutes, until just cooked through — do not overcook or the clam will become tough.
7. Serve immediately and eat the soup and solid ingredients together.

Note: If using dried geoduck, add it with all the other ingredients at the start and simmer for 2 hours. The dried version makes the broth even richer and more flavourful.

Nourilo’s Tips

This soup has a naturally fresh, sweet flavour from the lotus root and carrot — it is genuinely delicious and not at all heavy or medicinal tasting. The key with fresh geoduck is timing: add it only in the last five minutes of cooking, just until the clam turns opaque and is just cooked through. If you cannot find fresh geoduck, frozen clam is perfectly fine. The dried version is also wonderful — simply add it at the very beginning and let it simmer alongside all the other ingredients for the full 2 hours. If you are interested in general spinal health, it is also worth reducing smoking and alcohol, and maintaining gentle regular exercise.