Soups
Reishi, Black Bean, Longan and Silkie Chicken Soup
Traditionally used to boost qi, calm the mind and support recovery
Why people make this soup
For anyone who often feels short of breath, tired, low in spirits and sleeping poorly, the tradition turns to soups that gently restore energy, calm the mind and support the liver and kidneys. Reishi is a prized tonic in this tradition, long associated with supporting the body’s defenses, calming the spirit and easing into restful sleep. Bro Niu picked up a small frozen silkie chicken at the market — glossy black skin, clearly not a fast-grown hormone bird — and built it into this warming, restoring pot with reishi, black soybean, goji and longan.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Suits those who feel low in energy, restless in mind, run-down, with a poor complexion or thinning hair, and those recovering after illness or surgery
- Avoid if you are still fighting off a cold or flu
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Reishi / lingzhi (zi hei ling zhi): a classic tonic, traditionally associated with supporting the body’s defenses, calming the spirit and aiding restful sleep
- Silkie chicken (wu ji): long valued as a gentle, nourishing tonic meat
- Black soybean (hei dou): traditionally nourishes the kidneys and supports the body
- Longan (yuan rou) and southern dates: traditionally nourish the blood and calm the mind
- Goji berries (gou qi zi): associated with supporting the liver and the eyes
- Ginger: warms the soup
Ingredients (1 pot, 4–5 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Purple-black reishi | ~11 g (3 qian) | Milder, less bitter variety |
| Goji berries | ~11 g (3 qian) | Rinse |
| Dried longan flesh | ~19 g (5 qian) | |
| Green-kernel black soybean | ~38 g (1 liang) | Rinse |
| Fresh ginger | 3 slices | |
| Southern dates | 4 | |
| Silkie chicken | 1 | Cleaned, halved, blanched |
Method
- Clean the silkie chicken, cut in half and blanch. Soak and rinse the other ingredients separately.
- Simmer everything in 8 bowls of water for about 1.5 hours, reducing to 4–5 bowls. Serve.
Bro Niu’s tips
Purple-black reishi is not too bitter and its medicinal taste is mild. This soup is helpful for those whose constitution is weak after surgery or illness, with a poor complexion or thinning hair. But those still fighting off a cold or flu should not take it.
Published April 20, 2026 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.
