Astragalus, Codonopsis, Longan and Mountain Turtle Broth

Why people make this soup

In Cantonese culinary tradition, double-steamed turtle broth has long been considered one of the most restorative soups you can offer someone in recovery. Mountain turtle is traditionally valued for nourishing yin, clearing deficiency heat, supporting liver and kidney function, and helping to soften hardness in the body. Its thick shell and flesh yield a remarkably clear, sweet broth when double-steamed with classic tonic herbs. Paired here with astragalus root for qi, codonopsis for the spleen and lungs, longan for the heart and blood, and goji berries for the liver, this soup is one of the more considered post-illness tonics in the Cantonese repertoire.

Method

1. Remove fatty deposits from the turtle meat. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, plunge the turtle (shell and all) into the boiling water briefly to blanch, then lift out and peel away the white membrane that loosens.
2. In a small amount of oil, lightly pan-fry the turtle pieces until fragrant and lightly golden on the outside. This step adds depth to the final broth.
3. Pit the red dates. Rinse all herbs in clean water and set aside.
4. Place all ingredients — turtle, herbs, ginger, dates — into a ceramic double-steaming vessel (dun zhong). Pour in enough freshly boiled water to cover.
5. Seal the lid and double-steam over simmering water for 3 hours.
6. Season lightly with salt before serving. The broth should be clear and naturally sweet.

Nourilo’s Tips

• This broth is especially suited to people who have had surgery, experienced serious fever illness, or are recovering from cancer treatment — particularly those with signs of yin deficiency (dry mouth, low-grade heat sensations, night sweats, poor sleep).
• Mountain turtle is richer and more nourishing than ordinary soft-shell turtle (shui yu). If you can find it, use it. Wild-caught soft-shell turtle is also excellent, though not always available; farmed versions contain hormones and are far less beneficial.
• If you cannot access turtle at all, the herb combination can be simmered with pork loin or chicken for a still-nourishing recovery broth.