Lotus Seed, Lily Bulb and Snow Lotus Seed Sweet Soup

Why people make this sweet soup

Snow lotus seed goes by a glamorous name, but it is actually called soap pod seed (zao jiao mi) in Chinese herbalism — a small, pearlescent seed with a silky-smooth, slightly chewy texture when cooked overnight. It has long been used in southern Chinese kitchens as a skin-supporting ingredient, traditionally associated with clearing liver heat, supporting the eyes and nourishing the complexion. Nourilo pairs it here with lotus seeds (which calm and strengthen the spleen-heart connection), dried lily bulb (which settles the mind and supports sleep), longan flesh (which warms and nourishes the blood) and red dates (which add natural sweetness and support digestion). The result is a soothing sweet soup that is as enjoyable for its flavor and texture as it is for its traditional benefits — a pot of quiet self-care on a restless evening.

Method

1. Soak the snow lotus seeds in cold water overnight (at minimum 6–8 hours) — they are quite hard and need thorough soaking to become soft and silky.
2. Rinse the lotus seeds and lily bulb; soak for 30 and 20 minutes respectively; drain.
3. Pit the red dates.
4. Rinse the longan flesh.
5. Combine all ingredients in a pot with 2.1 L of water.
6. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer for 1 hour.
7. Add rock sugar and stir until dissolved. Serve warm, or allow to cool to room temperature.

Nourilo’s Tips

• Snow lotus seeds are quite firm when dry — soaking overnight is really important. After a full soak, the seeds become tender, slightly springy and pleasantly sticky-smooth, which is exactly what you want.
• Adding cold milk turns this into a sweeter, creamier dessert drink — as long as you are not sensitive to dairy, this works beautifully.
• After having a baby, wait until you have fully recovered before drinking this (generally after the postpartum recovery period is complete).