Chinese Yam, Lotus Seed, and Euryale Quail Soup

Why people make this soup

In traditional Chinese food-therapy thinking, children are considered to have naturally vigorous liver energy but a relatively weaker digestive system. This imbalance can show up as frequent phlegm and coughing, poor appetite, low energy, or loose stools. Rather than reaching straight for herbs, Nourilo often starts with a good soup.

This combination — quail with Chinese yam, lotus seeds, and fox nut — is one of the most trusted recipes in Cantonese children’s wellness cooking. Quail is called “the ginseng of the animal kingdom” because it provides rich nourishment without causing internal heat, making it safe for regular use in little ones. The whole family can share this soup, and it is suitable across all four seasons.

Method

1. Thaw the quail, rinse thoroughly, and blanch in boiling water for 2–3 minutes. Drain.
2. Rinse Chinese yam, lotus seeds, and euryale seeds; remove pits from the dates.
3. Combine all ingredients in a pot with 2.4 L of water.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cook for approximately 2 hours.
5. Serve the soup and encourage children to eat some of the solid ingredients too.

Nourilo’s Tips

This soup is suitable for the whole family and can be drunk across all seasons. If the child tends to run hot (lots of internal heat), add a small amount of snow fungus (xue er, 8 g) and lily bulb (38 g) to the pot. Red dates should have the pits removed to avoid excessive warmth; alternatively, use nan zao (southern dates) for a less warming effect. You may replace ginger with dried tangerine peel (chen pi) for a lighter, more fragrant result.