Soups
Fresh Chinese Yam, Dendrobium, Goji and Young Pigeon Soup
Traditionally used to support immunity, strengthen the spleen and nourish the liver and kidneys
Why people make this soup
In sweltering weather, careless “tonic-taking” can leave the body heaty and uncomfortable. But for frail older adults or those recovering from surgery, a measured tonic can help improve the constitution and speed recovery — as long as the ingredients aren’t too warming or harsh. Fresh yam, goji, dendrobium and red dates are all gentle enough to enjoy in summer, and cooked with young pigeon and pork shin they make a tasty, nourishing soup.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Frail older adults, those recovering after illness or surgery, and people managing the “three highs” (blood pressure, sugar, lipids).
- Tasty and gentle, not overly heating. Not suitable for those with an unresolved cold.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Fresh Chinese yam (huai shan): Traditionally used to strengthen the spleen and stomach and support the kidneys; associated with steady blood sugar.
- Dendrobium (shi hu): Traditionally used to nourish yin and is associated with steady blood sugar.
- Goji berries (gou qi zi): Traditionally used to nourish the liver and kidneys.
- Young pigeon and pork shin: Provide savory nourishment for a gentle tonic soup.
Ingredients (5 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh Chinese yam | ~6 liang | Peeled, cut in lengths |
| Dendrobium | ~3 qian | Soaked and rinsed |
| Goji berries | ~3 qian | Soaked and rinsed |
| Fresh ginger | 3 slices | |
| Red dates | 5 | Pitted |
| Young pigeon | 1 | Cleaned, chopped, blanched |
| Pork shin | 1 piece | Blanched |
Method
- Peel the fresh yam and cut into lengths; soak and rinse the dendrobium and goji; pit the red dates.
- Clean and chop the pigeon; blanch it with the pork shin.
- Combine all ingredients with 8–9 bowls of water and cook for 2 hours, reducing to 5 bowls.
Bro Niu’s tips
Yam, goji and dendrobium are all traditionally associated with steady blood sugar, so this soup is especially favored by older adults managing the “three highs,” and it also suits those recovering from illness or surgery. Not suitable for those with an unresolved cold.
Community questions answered (selected)
- Q (A): My brother is having leg surgery for an arteriovenous malformation, with a catheter procedure. What soups or teas can he drink afterward to recover? Bro Niu: After surgery, once he can drink, give radish-and-tangerine-peel water to help flush out the anesthetic; then cook astragalus (5 qian) with dried-scallop and minced-pork congee. For pain, cook notoginseng (3 qian), spatholobus (5 qian) and 5 red dates with lean pork. You can also browse the site’s “post-surgery recovery” category for more.
Published July 28, 2025 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.
