Winter Melon, Clam Meat and Dried Duck Kidney Soup

Why people make this soup

Winter melon (dong gua) is available year-round and is one of the most practical vegetables in the Cantonese kitchen for everyday health maintenance. It is naturally low in calories, gently diuretic, and traditionally associated with clearing heat, reducing swelling, and supporting kidney function — making it a sensible regular choice for anyone watching their blood pressure or blood sugar. The star addition to this soup is clam meat, which is surprisingly iron-rich: 100 grams of clam meat contains around 13.9 mg of iron — more than red meat. Research also suggests that clam proteins may have anti-inflammatory properties and support liver function. Dried preserved duck kidney (chen ya shen) adds a wonderful savoury depth to the broth and also supports digestive health.

Who it suits / who should be cautious

• The whole family can drink this soup; it is particularly helpful for those managing blood sugar, blood pressure, or elevated blood fats.
• Also helpful for people with water retention, fatigue, or anaemia.
• Clam meat is cold in nature; the ginger and hyacinth beans help balance this. Those with a very cold constitution should not overdo cold-natured seafood.
• If clam meat is unavailable, dried scallop (yao zhu) or lean pork can be substituted.

Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)

• Winter melon (dong gua): Naturally low in sugar; traditionally associated with clearing heat, promoting urination and reducing puffiness, supporting kidney function, and lowering blood fats.
• Clam meat (xian rou): Exceptionally iron-rich; research suggests the proteins may support regulation of blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol, as well as protecting liver health.
• White hyacinth bean (bian dou): Strengthens the spleen and stomach, reduces internal dampness, and supports absorption.
• Dried preserved duck kidney (chen ya shen): An aged and preserved ingredient that deepens the flavour of the broth; traditionally supports the spleen and aids digestion.
• Fresh ginger: Warms the stomach, aids digestion, and offsets the cold nature of the winter melon and clam.

Ingredients (~4 bowls)

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Winter melon	~600 g (1 jin)	With skin, washed and cut into chunks
White hyacinth bean (bian dou)	1 liang (~38 g)	Soak and rinse
Frozen clam meat	3 liang (~113 g)	Thaw; blanch briefly before adding to soup
Dried preserved duck kidney (chen ya shen)	2 pieces	Soak and rinse
Fresh ginger	2 slices
Water	8 bowls (~2 litres)	Reduces to ~4 bowls

Method

1. Wash the winter melon, leave the skin on, and cut into chunks.
2. Soak and rinse the hyacinth beans and dried duck kidneys separately.
3. Thaw the clam meat; blanch briefly in boiling water, then drain and set aside.
4. Combine winter melon, hyacinth beans, duck kidneys, and ginger slices in a pot with 8 bowls of water.
5. Bring to a boil, add the blanched clam meat, then reduce to a gentle simmer for about 2 hours until the liquid reduces to around 4 bowls.
6. Serve and eat both the soup and the ingredients.

Bro Niu’s tips

This soup has a naturally light, sweet flavour — both nourishing and refreshing. It is suitable for all ages and an excellent everyday pot for families with members managing the “three highs.” If clam meat is hard to find, you can substitute dried scallop (yao zhu) or lean pork and the soup will still be delicious. The preserved duck kidney is what gives this broth its depth — do not leave it out if you can help it.

Community questions answered (selected)

• Q (Amy): If there is no clam meat available, what can be substituted? Bro Niu: You can substitute dried scallop (yao zhu) or lean pork — either works well.

• Q (winnie): I take red ginseng and deer antler after my period each month, but I always feel a bit of heat and internal fire afterward. What can I add to offset this? Bro Niu: In warmer weather, red ginseng and deer antler can easily cause heat and excessive sweating, which actually reduces their tonic effect. After your period, try the “four red” soup instead — red beans, red-skin peanuts, goji berries, and red dates simmered together, drinking the broth and eating the ingredients.

• Q (May): What food therapy is suitable for anxiety and helping to feel more relaxed? Bro Niu: Anxiety is common in city life, and the most important work is mental — learning to let things go. That said, you can support the nervous system with a decoction of wheat berry (xiao mai mi, 1 liang), poria with heart wood (fu shen, 5 qian), prepared liquorice (zhi gan cao, 2 qian), red dates (6 pieces), and lily bulb (bai he, 1 liang) — simmer in 7 bowls of water down to 4 bowls, divide over 2 days. Drinking 2 to 3 rounds of this may help nourish the heart and calm the spirit.

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Published March 28, 2021 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 4 min read.