Morinda, Walnut & Sea Cucumber Stew

Why people make this stew

In Chinese tradition the kidneys are seen as the body’s “root,” governing growth, development and reproduction; when kidney yang is weak or kidney essence depleted, this is thought to show as cold limbs, frequent urination, lower-back soreness, dizziness, ringing ears and fatigue. Everyday food therapy uses warming, kidney-nourishing foods to support this. This morinda, walnut and sea cucumber stew is traditionally valued to warm and nourish essence and blood and support the kidneys — and is favored by couples hoping to conceive.

Method

1. Soak and rinse the morinda, goji berries, red dates and walnuts.
2. Blanch the re-hydrated sea cucumber and cut into segments.
3. Put everything in a stewing pot, add about 1.2 L of boiling water, and double-boil (steam over water) about 3 hours. Drink the soup and eat the sea cucumber.

Nourilo’s Tips

This stew is also traditionally favored by older adults with kidney-deficiency signs such as poor hearing, forgetfulness and weak lower back and knees. To make it less drying for those who run “heaty,” add 6 nan zao (southern dates) and 11 g yu zhu (Solomon’s seal). Re-hydrate the sea cucumber in room-temperature water.