Soups
Chinese Yam, Foxnut, Black Bean and Pork Tendon Soup
Traditionally strengthens the spleen, kidneys, sinews and bones
Why people make this soup
Bro Niu noticed that homemakers buying pork shin often want the piece with a tendon attached — the tendon turns wonderfully tasty after a long simmer. Pork tendon, like beef tendon, is rich in collagen and is traditionally said to tonify qi, fill deficiency and strengthen the sinews and bones, making it a favorite for an achy, weak lower back and knees. Cooked with Chinese yam, foxnut, black bean and walnut, it gains a reputation for strengthening the spleen and kidneys too.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- People with an achy, weak lower back and knees, or a generally frail body; traditionally said to benefit children, the elderly and those with frequent night urination, and to support brain and memory.
- People with gout should replace the black bean with adzuki bean. This soup is mild and warming, so even people with a slightly “hot” constitution can take it in moderation.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Pork tendon (zhu jiao jin): Rich in collagen; traditionally tonifies qi, fills deficiency and strengthens the sinews and bones.
- Chinese yam (huai shan): Traditionally strengthens the spleen and kidneys.
- Foxnut (qian shi): Traditionally strengthens the spleen and supports the kidneys.
- Black soybean (hei dou): Traditionally supports the kidneys; (“the kidneys govern the bones”).
- Walnut (he tao rou): Traditionally supports the kidneys and the brain.
Ingredients (4 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chinese yam | ~1 tael (38 g) | Fresh: peeled and cut |
| Foxnut | ~1 tael (38 g) | Rinse and soak |
| Black soybeans | ~1 tael (38 g) | Rinse and soak (gout: use adzuki bean) |
| Walnut kernels | ~1 tael (38 g) | |
| Fresh pork tendon | ~6 tael (225 g) | Blanched (or pork shin, half a catty) |
| Red dates | 6 | |
| Dried scallop | 3 |
Method
- Blanch the pork tendon.
- Peel and cut the fresh Chinese yam.
- Rinse and soak the remaining ingredients.
- Place everything in a pot with 8 bowls of water.
- Simmer for about 2 hours down to about 4 bowls. Serve the soup and ingredients together.
Bro Niu’s tips
This soup is traditionally said to also support brain and memory — good for children and the elderly alike — and to help those with frequent night urination. People with gout should swap the black bean for adzuki bean. If fresh pork tendon is hard to find, soaked dried tendon, or beef tendon, both work.
Community questions answered (selected)
-
Q (Jennifer): My grandmother has gout and high blood pressure — can she drink this soup? Bro Niu: With gout she should not use black bean, but adzuki bean (chi xiao dou) is very low in purines, so cook it with adzuki bean instead.
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Q (CK): Is this soup heating? Is it suitable for people with a hot constitution? Bro Niu: This soup is warming but fairly mild; people with a hot constitution can drink it in moderation.
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Q (伽名 / reader): Can I use beef tendon? Bro Niu: Yes, beef tendon is fine, no problem.
Published December 6, 2010 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.
