Fresh Yam, Goji, Euryale Seed & Chestnut Soup

Why people make this soup

Winter is when people reach for tonics, but Nourilo cautions that children shouldn’t be loaded with strong ones — ginseng, deer antler, bird’s nest, hashima and the like can carry hormones and easily cause “heatiness.” Far better are mild, food-and-medicine ingredients that gently strengthen the spleen and support the kidney. This soup fits the bill: fresh yam, in-season chestnuts, goji, euryale seeds and southern dates — moistening, easy, and suitable for children and adults who run hot alike. Fresh yam is available year-round at Chinese or Asian grocers and online.

Method

1. Peel and cut the fresh yam; rinse the goji, euryale seeds and tangerine peel; blanch the chestnuts briefly in boiling water to remove the skins; blanch the pork bone.
2. Put everything in a pot with 2.4–2.7 L of water.
3. Simmer 2 hours until reduced to 1.2–1.5 L. Serve, eating the solids too.

Nourilo’s Tips

The mucilage on fresh yam can irritate skin — dip the yam briefly in boiling water before peeling and your hands won’t be bothered. This soup is clear, moistening and tasty, fine for young and old, and especially good for people who are weak and catch colds easily. But those prone to constipation should not take it too often.