Soups
Lotus Root, Runner Bean, Dried Octopus, and Pork Bone Soup
traditionally associated with nourishing blood, supporting the spleen and kidney, and building overall vitality
Why people make this soup
Someone asked Bro Niu: is there any point in drinking nourishing soups in summer, when the heat makes you sweat so much anyway? His answer: it depends. Rich tonics like ginseng and deer antler are best left for winter. But everyday soups that support the spleen and blood — the kind that keep you going rather than overstimulate — are absolutely fine year-round, including in summer. This soup is exactly that kind of recipe: warmly nourishing without being heavy, deeply flavoured from the dried octopus and lotus root, and balanced by the gentle sweetness of red dates and tangerine peel. It is a soup the whole family can enjoy, and one that is particularly well-regarded for postpartum mothers looking to support milk production and blood recovery.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Suits: most adults and children as a nourishing family soup; those feeling generally run-down or lacking energy; women postpartum, as it is traditionally considered excellent for promoting milk supply
- Pregnant women may also drink this soup
- Caution: those with active eczema, psoriasis, or other skin conditions should be cautious with dried octopus, as it is considered a “fa wu” (foods believed to trigger or worsen existing skin conditions). A small amount in soup is generally considered acceptable, but if uncertain, substitute dried scallop (yao zhu) or dried mussel
- Caution: those with high uric acid should note that dried octopus and beans are moderately high in purines
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Lotus root (lian ou): Exceptionally rich in iron according to both modern nutrition and traditional Chinese dietary theory. Lotus root is traditionally associated with nourishing blood, strengthening the stomach, fortifying the bones and tendons, and supporting the heart and kidneys. Lotus root should be cooked in a clay pot — contact with iron cookware causes the broth to darken significantly.
- Large runner beans (da hua dou): Sometimes called “the king of beans,” this variety is associated in Chinese food-therapy with supporting the spleen and kidney. An interesting traditional belief: runner beans are said to help reduce the absorption of fat from meat cooked alongside them.
- Dried octopus (zhang yu gan): Adds a rich, savoury depth to the broth and is traditionally associated with nourishing blood and qi. It is this ingredient that makes the soup particularly popular among postpartum mothers for supporting lactation.
- Red dates (hong zao): Naturally sweet and associated with nourishing blood and calming the mind. A near-universal ingredient in Chinese blood-building soups.
- Dried tangerine peel (chen pi): Helps move qi through the soup, aids digestion, and prevents the heavier ingredients from feeling cloying.
- Pork neck bones (xi shi gu): Provide body, collagen, and depth to the broth without being as heavy as pork belly or fatty cuts.
Ingredients (4–5 bowls / 3–4 servings)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Lotus root (lian ou) | ~600 g (1 jin) | Peeled and cut into chunks |
| Large runner beans (da hua dou) | ~75 g (2 liang) | Soaked until softened |
| Dried octopus (zhang yu gan) | ~75 g (2 liang) | Soaked until soft |
| Dried tangerine peel (chen pi) | 1 piece | Soaked and rinsed |
| Red dates (hong zao) | 6 pieces | Pitted |
| Pork neck bones (xi shi gu) | ~300 g (half jin) | Blanched |
| Water | 10 bowls (~2 litres) |
Method
- Soak runner beans in cold water for at least 1–2 hours until softened.
- Soak dried octopus in warm water until plump and softened; drain.
- Soak tangerine peel briefly; pit the red dates.
- Peel lotus root, wash, and cut into chunks.
- Blanch pork neck bones in boiling water briefly; discard blanching water.
- Combine all ingredients in a clay pot (preferred) or a regular pot. Add 10 bowls of water.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 2 hours.
- Serve the soup together with the solid ingredients — eating the lotus root, beans, and pork is part of the nourishing benefit.
Bro Niu’s tips
- Use a clay pot (wa bo) when possible — lotus root causes iron and stainless steel cookware to darken the soup noticeably. The soup is still fine to eat, just less visually appealing.
- This soup is particularly well-suited for postpartum mothers wanting to support milk production and rebuild blood.
- Dried octopus is classified as a “fa wu” (a food that may aggravate pre-existing skin conditions). If you have active eczema or psoriasis, substitute dried scallop (yao zhu) or dried mussel (dan cai) — both will still give a deeply flavourful broth.
- If no octopus is available at all, substitute with dried scallop or dried mussel to keep the umami character of the soup.
Community questions answered (selected)
-
Q (Joanne): Can pregnant women drink this soup? Bro Niu: Yes, this soup is fine for pregnant women.
-
Q (Tiff D): If I omit the octopus, do I need to substitute something? Bro Niu: If you leave out the octopus, you can use dried scallop (yao zhu) or dried mussel instead — both are nourishing and will give the soup a lovely depth of flavour.
-
Q (fire-horse reader): I had a hysterectomy six months ago. Can I drink this soup? You mentioned “those with old skin conditions should not use it” — does that mean someone who has had hives or eczema in the past? Bro Niu: You can drink this soup. Regarding the octopus: it is classed as a “fa wu” because it is a scaleless fish. People with active skin eczema should eat less of it, but using a small amount in soup is generally fine. Those who have had historical skin issues may still use it in moderation.
Published June 24, 2016 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 4 min read.
