Astragalus, Longan, Schisandra and Silkie Egg Soup

Why people make this soup

Times feel uneasy, and many people find their minds restless — anxious, low, with palpitations and broken sleep. When the symptoms are mild, Nourilo believes a little self-care through mood and diet can do real good. For those who are both heart- and spleen-deficient — short of breath, tired, forgetful, sleeping poorly — a gentle qi-and-blood-nourishing, spirit-calming soup is just the thing. This one is mild in flavour and genuinely soothing.

Method

1. Hard-boil the silkie eggs, peel and set aside.
2. Soak and wash the other ingredients; pit the red dates.
3. Bring everything (except the eggs) to a hard boil in 2.1–2.4 L of water, then simmer on low 1 hour down to 900 ml.
4. Place one egg in each bowl and serve.

Nourilo’s Tips

The silkie egg traditionally nourishes yin and the blood — ideal after illness, surgery or childbirth. The soup is mild in herbal taste; if you want it tastier, add a little rock sugar or brown sugar.