Soups
Glutinous Corn, Chestnut, Apple and Red Date Vegetarian Soup
Traditionally taken to strengthen the spleen and support the kidneys
Why people make this soup
Glutinous corn is rich in plant protein and vitamin E, with more chew than ordinary corn; the purple-skinned kernels carry anthocyanins for antioxidant support. When chestnuts are in season and apples are at their best, a simple vegetarian soup almost makes itself — naturally sweet, with ingredients you can eat too. Together with red dates, this combination is traditionally associated with supporting the spleen and kidneys and helping maintain bone density.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Suits people wanting a gentle, tasty everyday soup to support the spleen and kidneys and help maintain bone density. Welcomed by all ages.
- High in natural sugars and calories — people with diabetes should not drink much.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Glutinous corn (nuo su): rich in plant protein and vitamin E; traditionally associated with nourishing the heart, boosting qi and supporting the stomach.
- Chestnut (li zi): traditionally used to support the kidneys and help maintain bone density.
- Apple (ping guo): mild and not cooling; promotes fluids and supports the stomach.
- Red dates (hong zao): classically associated with building blood and supporting the complexion.
Ingredients (4 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Glutinous corn | 2 cobs | Husked, cut into pieces |
| Chestnuts | ~113 g | Skinned (blanch first) |
| Apples | 2 | Washed with skin on, chunked, cored |
| Red dates | 6 | Pitted |
Method
- Husk the corn and cut into pieces. Blanch the chestnuts in boiling water and remove the skins.
- Scrub the apples clean with the skin on, cut into chunks and core. Pit the red dates.
- Put everything in a pot with 7–8 bowls of water and simmer for 1 hour until reduced to about 4 bowls. Eat both soup and ingredients.
Bro Niu’s tips
This soup is delicious and, drunk regularly, is traditionally associated with building blood and supporting the complexion; it suits all ages. But it is high in calories and sugar, so people with diabetes should not drink much.
Community questions answered (selected)
- Q (may): Are baby corn cobs just as nutritious? Bro Niu: The large corn cobs have much better nutritional value.
Published January 30, 2024 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.
