Soups
Maitake, Lion's Mane, Corn and Carrot Soup
Traditionally supports the body against the three highs
Why people make this soup
Bro Niu shares this one as a tasty, nutritious bowl the whole family — young and old — can enjoy, traditionally chosen to support softer blood vessels and to help against the “three highs.” The maitake was a gift his big sister brought back from Niigata in Japan; its name means “dancing mushroom” for the way its frilled caps seem to sway. Paired with lion’s mane, it makes a soup that is both wholesome and genuinely delicious.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Traditionally chosen by people managing blood pressure, blood lipids or blood sugar, and by those wanting a gentle, nourishing soup the whole family can share.
- Suitable after cardiovascular surgery, per Bro Niu. People in cancer treatment can enjoy it but should keep portions modest so it doesn’t overload the stomach, and should please see their doctor about their overall diet.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Maitake (wu rong gu): Its polysaccharides are traditionally associated with supporting the body’s defenses and healthy blood lipids and vessels.
- Lion’s mane (hou tou gu): Traditionally associated with supporting the digestive system and the five organs.
- Goji berries (gou qi zi): Traditionally associated with supporting the eyes and overall vitality.
- Corn & carrot: Add natural sweetness and make the soup pleasant to drink.
Ingredients (4 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Maitake mushroom | ~19 g | Soaked |
| Lion’s mane mushroom | 2 | See tip for de-bittering |
| Goji berries | ~11 g | |
| Carrot | 1 | Peeled, chunked |
| Sweet corn | 2 cobs | Husked, chopped |
| Pork bone (xi shi gu) | ~450 g | Blanched |
Method
- Soak and rinse the maitake, lion’s mane and goji separately.
- Peel and chunk the carrot.
- Husk the corn and chop into chunks.
- Blanch the pork bone in boiling water.
- Bring everything to a boil in 8–9 bowls of water and simmer 2 hours, down to 4 bowls.
Bro Niu’s tips
Dried lion’s mane can taste slightly bitter in soup. To remove it, soak the mushrooms with a little brown sugar and cornstarch, soak a while, then change the water and rinse before cooking — the soup will have no bitterness at all.
Community questions answered (selected)
- Q (Susanna): Can this soup be drunk after cardiovascular surgery? Bro Niu: Yes, you can drink this soup after cardiovascular surgery.
- Q (Daniel): My wife has stage-four ovarian cancer and has finished chemotherapy — what soups suit her for continued support? Bro Niu: You can make this soup, or simmer ji song rong (4 qian), goji (3 qian) and fresh asparagus (4 liang) in lean pork soup. Also eat less high-fat, high-sugar and dairy food, and more fresh fruit and vegetables.
- Q (Luiza): Father has late-stage lung cancer; doctors don’t advise chemo/radiation/targeted therapy. Any soup for support? Bro Niu: Try fresh-pressed juice of apple, carrot and potato (peeled), once a day or every other day. Lung cancer tends “hot,” so avoid warming herbs like ginseng, dang shen and lingzhi, and favor cooling, moistening foods; avoid high-fat, high-sugar and milk-type foods.
Published May 12, 2023 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.
