Soups
Tiger Milk Mushroom, Chayote and Partridge Soup
Traditionally moistens the lungs and supports the body in flu season
Why people make this soup
The temperature has eased a little, but this is still peak flu season, so watch the swings in weather — especially for young children and the elderly. A flu shot is one of the surest safeguards, and on top of that a soup that supports the body’s defences is ideal. Tiger milk mushroom is a prized medicinal fungus traditionally associated with supporting immunity and benefiting the airway, and chayote is one of the most well-rounded gourds, rich in vitamin C. Paired with lung-moistening almonds and figs, and partridge — traditionally said to support the organs and resolve phlegm — this soup is just right for flu season.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Suits young and old, and is especially good for nursery-age children who keep catching respiratory bugs and coughing; those with weak lung qi may take it often.
- Not suited to those whose cold has not yet cleared. If a child has a stubborn fever, please see a doctor.
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Tiger milk mushroom (hu ru ling zhi): A mild-tasting medicinal fungus, neither cold nor drying; traditionally associated with strengthening the lung qi and supporting immunity, and suitable for children.
- Chayote (he zhang gua): Rich in vitamin C, traditionally associated with supporting immunity.
- Almonds and figs (nan bei xing, wu hua guo): Traditionally moisten the lungs and ease a cough.
- Partridge (zhe gu): Traditionally said to support the five organs and resolve phlegm.
Ingredients (4 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tiger milk mushroom | 3 qian | rinsed |
| Chayote | 2 | peeled, cut into chunks |
| North and south almonds | ~38 g | rinsed |
| Dried figs | 4 | halved |
| Ginger | 3 slices | |
| Frozen partridge | 1 | cleaned, cut, blanched |
Method
- Rinse the tiger milk mushroom and almonds. Peel and chunk the chayote. Halve the figs. Clean the partridge, cut into large pieces and blanch.
- Put everything into 9 bowls of water and simmer 2 hours until reduced to about 4 bowls. Serve.
Bro Niu’s tips
This soup is clear, sweet and suits young and old. It is especially good for nursery-age children who catch respiratory bugs again and again. Those with weak lung qi may drink it often, but it is not suited to anyone whose cold has not yet cleared.
Community questions answered (selected)
- Q (秋燕): If I can’t find partridge, what can I use instead? Bro Niu: If there’s no partridge, lean pork will do.
- Q (Lam): For 6–8 people, do I double the ingredients? Bro Niu: For 6–8 servings use 5 qian of tiger milk mushroom and keep the rest as pictured; since more people are drinking it, add some dried scallop and lean pork for extra savour.
- Q (胡太): Can a 1-year-and-2-month-old baby drink tiger milk mushroom? Bro Niu: Tiger milk mushroom is actually a Southeast Asian fungus, mild in taste, neither cold nor drying, so young children can take it; it’s nicknamed “ling zhi” only because it supports the qi.
Published December 26, 2023 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.
