Nourilo

Soups

Snow Ear Fungus, Flower Mushroom, Cashew and Mountain Chicken Soup

May support bone nourishment and yin deficiency

By · Registered Nutritionist & TCM Practitioner

Prep
20 min
Cook
2 hr
Total
2 hr 20 min
Makes
0.9–1.2 L
Bone & Joint WellnessEveryday Balance
Snow Ear Fungus, Flower Mushroom, Cashew and Mountain Chicken Soup

Why people make this soup

Some people find that rich tonic soups make them feel hot and restless — what traditional Chinese food therapy calls “internal heat from yin deficiency.” This is common in women and in anyone who has been chronically overworked or unwell. Rather than forcing strong tonics that backfire, Nourilo reaches for gentler, yin-nourishing ingredients. This soup builds qi and blood without stoking that internal fire, and mountain chicken (pheasant) is specifically prized in Cantonese cooking for strengthening sinew and bone — a welcome combination for those worried about bone density.

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Frequently asked questions

Who is this soup traditionally made for?

This soup is traditionally used to support the qi, blood, and yin of those who feel easily overheated by rich tonic soups — what traditional Chinese food therapy associates with yin deficiency. It is particularly associated with bone nourishment and building resilience in people with yin-deficient constitutions, and is commonly noted as suitable for people with osteoporosis to enjoy regularly as part of a balanced diet.

Why is mountain chicken used instead of regular chicken?

Mountain chicken (pheasant) is traditionally prized in Cantonese cooking for strengthening sinew and bone, making it a natural fit for a soup associated with bone nourishment. If pheasant is unavailable, the recipe notes that free-range chicken or silkie chicken are excellent alternatives.

Is there a vegetarian version of this soup?

Yes. The recipe suggests substituting the mountain chicken with carrot and extra soybeans to make a vegetarian version.

How long does this soup take to make, and how much does it yield?

Preparation takes about 20 minutes, and the soup simmers for approximately 2 hours, for a total of around 2 hours and 20 minutes. Starting with 2.4 L of water, it reduces to approximately 0.9 to 1.2 L of finished soup.

What role does snow ear fungus play in this recipe?

Snow ear fungus is one of the key yin-nourishing ingredients in this soup, included as part of a combination of gentler ingredients designed to build qi and blood without stoking internal heat — making it more suitable than richer tonics for those with a yin-deficient constitution.

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