Lotus Root, Peanut, Flower Bean and Dried Octopus Soup

Why people make this soup

The first week after giving birth is a critical time. Well-meaning family members often arrive with rich chicken broth, fish maw and sea cucumber — but Nourilo advises caution: when milk flow has not yet established itself, eating very high-fat and high-protein foods can thicken the milk and block the ducts, actually making milk supply worse. The first week is better spent eating lightly, letting the body recover and the milk flow open naturally.

This soup is a wonderful choice from the second week onward, when the body is ready to receive more nourishment. In-season lotus root — especially older, fatter root — supports the spleen and replenishes blood. Peanuts are a classic lactation-support food in Chinese tradition, while flower beans and dried octopus add protein and depth. The result is a fragrant, richly flavoured soup that is both satisfying and genuinely supportive.