Soups
Shiitake Snow Fungus Chestnut Cashew Soup
traditionally associated with supporting bone and tendon strength
Why people make this soup
This is one of those soups that bridges two worlds: it is hearty and delicious enough for everyday cooking, yet every ingredient carries a long history in Chinese food therapy. Bro Niu developed this recipe with the observation that eating plant-based meals regularly can help balance the body’s acid-alkaline environment. When going meatless, nuts like cashews and chestnuts become especially valuable, since they are rich in vitamins and minerals that vegetables and fruit alone may not fully supply. The combination of flower mushrooms, snow fungus, chestnuts, cashews and red dates is traditionally associated with supporting strong tendons and bones, nourishing the skin, and protecting cardiovascular health — making it particularly useful for anyone concerned about bone density, arterial stiffness, or overall physical resilience.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Well suited to most people, including children, the elderly, and breastfeeding mothers (this soup is traditionally considered supportive of milk production)
- People seeking a nutritious meatless soup for general wellness
- Those looking to support bone and joint health as they age
- Gout sufferers should avoid this soup, because mushrooms are relatively high in purines
- If you have a serious bone condition, please consult a doctor
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Chestnuts (li zi): In traditional Chinese food therapy, chestnuts are associated with nourishing the stomach and kidneys, and are said to support the strength of the lower back and limbs. They are also a good source of complex carbohydrates, vitamin C and potassium.
- Cashews (yao guo): Traditionally considered to nourish the skin and support tendon and bone strength. Cashews are rich in magnesium, zinc and healthy fats.
- Flower mushrooms / premium shiitake (hua gu): Appreciated for their meaty flavour and nutritional density; traditionally used to support immune function and overall vitality.
- Snow fungus (xue er, Tremella fuciformis): A prized ingredient for nourishing the lungs and moistening dryness; also valued for its polysaccharide content and its traditional role in supporting skin health.
- Red dates (hong zao): Widely used to support qi and blood, and to moderate the flavour and energetics of other ingredients in a soup.
Ingredients (3–4 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Large flower mushrooms (premium shiitake) | 4–5 pieces | Soak and rinse well |
| Snow fungus (Tremella) | 2 qian (~8 g) | Soak, then remove the tough base |
| Dried chestnuts | 2 liang (~75 g) | Or fresh chestnuts ~150 g, peeled |
| Cashew nuts | 2 liang (~75 g) | Rinse well |
| Red dates, pitted | 6 pieces | |
| Water | 8 bowls (~1.6 litres) |
Method
- Soak the flower mushrooms in cold water for 20–30 minutes until fully softened; rinse and squeeze gently to remove any grit. Keep the soaking water if it smells clean — it adds flavour to the soup.
- Soak the snow fungus in cold water for 15–20 minutes until it expands and softens; rinse and trim away the yellowish, tough base.
- Rinse the cashews and dried chestnuts (or peel the fresh chestnuts).
- Pit the red dates.
- Place all ingredients together in a pot with 8 bowls of water.
- Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a medium-low simmer and cook for 2 hours.
- Serve warm, eating the mushrooms, chestnuts and cashews along with the soup.
Bro Niu’s tips
This soup has a naturally sweet, savoury depth that appeals to both children and adults. Breastfeeding mothers can enjoy it freely — it is traditionally considered beneficial for milk production. If you eat the cashews and chestnuts regularly, you may notice improvements in skin texture over time. Do remember: gout sufferers should substitute the mushrooms with sweet corn and carrot to avoid the purine content.
Community questions answered (selected)
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Q (Maggie): A friend’s mother had a stroke and takes blood-pressure medication. She recently had a fall at home — is there a soup to help strengthen her bones and tendons? Bro Niu: Your friend can use morinda root (ba ji tian) and eucommia bark (du zhong), 3 qian each, with 3 liang of chestnuts and 4–5 southern dates, simmered into a pork shank soup. Drink the soup and eat the chestnuts. This is suitable for the whole family.
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Q (anonymous reader): My son broke a bone from a fall. Can he drink this soup? Bro Niu: Yes, he can drink this soup after a fracture. You might also cook a water crab congee — it helps move blood and clear bruising, and it tastes very good too.
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Q (Abbie): My younger sister has a displaced lumbar vertebra and is frequently unwell; she also had stomach surgery. What soup would help? Bro Niu: Displaced vertebrae are tricky because even after physical therapy, they can shift again — careful daily habits matter most. For internal support, use morinda root (ba ji tian), eucommia bark (du zhong) and achyranthes root (chuan niu xi), 3 qian each, with 3 liang chestnuts and 6 red dates, simmered in an oxtail soup. Use 8 bowls of water, reduce to 4, drink over 2 days, one to two times a week. This traditionally supports the liver and kidneys and strengthens bones and tendons.
Published July 30, 2016 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 4 min read.
