Hairy Gourd Maitake Goji Berry Partridge Soup

Why people make this soup

There is a well-known Cantonese saying: “yi gu ding jiu ji” — “one partridge is worth nine chickens.” Whether or not this is literally true nutritionally, partridge is genuinely impressive: it is high in protein, low in fat, and low in cholesterol compared with most poultry, and it is associated in Chinese food therapy with nourishing the lungs, nourishing qi, transforming phlegm and supporting the five vital organs. During summer, when heavy meat stews feel too rich, partridge makes an ideal base for a light but sustaining soup. Maitake mushroom (also known as “hen of the woods”) has been extensively studied for its beta-glucan content, which is associated with immune modulation, blood sugar support, and anti-tumour activity. Combined with the gentle cooling and replenishing effects of hairy gourd and the liver-nourishing, vision-supporting properties of goji berry, this is a summer soup that genuinely nourishes without weighing the body down.

Method

1. Peel (scrape) the hairy gourd and cut into chunks.
2. Soak and rinse the maitake mushroom and goji berries.
3. Clean the partridge thoroughly; blanch in boiling water briefly to remove any impurities. Drain.
4. Place all ingredients into a pot with 2.1 L of water.
5. Bring to a boil, reduce to a medium simmer, and cook for 1 hour until 1.2 L remain.
6. Serve warm. The whole family can enjoy this soup, and the meat is pleasant to eat.

Nourilo’s Tips

This soup is naturally sweet and fresh-tasting — the whole family will enjoy it. If you cannot find partridge, frozen French quail (法国鹌鹑) is an excellent substitute, available at Chinese grocery stores and Asian food suppliers. Quail is similarly prized in food therapy and is sometimes called “moving ginseng” for its dense nourishment in a small package. The soup is also suitable for cancer patients — maitake mushroom and goji berries are both associated with supporting immune function, and 姬松茸 (agaricus blazei) can be used as an alternative mushroom if maitake is unavailable.