Chinese Yam, Clam, and Chayote Pork Soup

Why people make this soup

Children’s digestion is at the heart of their overall vitality in traditional Chinese food therapy. A child with a weak spleen tends to be easily tired, picky about food, slightly pale, and more susceptible to illness. Nourilo created this soup after picking up a packet of fresh-imported clam meat at the butcher’s counter — plump, sweet, and full of flavour. Combined with Chinese yam and chayote, it makes a broth that is clear, sweet, and deeply nourishing without being heavy or cloying. It is particularly well-suited to children, but the whole family can enjoy it equally.

Chayote is an interesting vegetable that is underused in many Western kitchens. It has a mild, crisp flavour and a high zinc content — and zinc is closely linked in nutritional science with cognitive development in children, making it especially worthwhile for growing kids.

Method

1. Thaw the clam meat fully. Bring a small pot of water to a boil, add the clam meat, blanch for 1 minute, and rinse. Set aside.
2. Blanch the lean pork in boiling water for 2 minutes; rinse and set aside.
3. Soak the dried Chinese yam in cold water for 10 minutes; drain. (If using fresh yam, peel and cut into chunks.)
4. Peel the chayote and cut into chunky pieces. Pit the red dates.
5. Combine all ingredients in a large pot with 2.4 L of water.
6. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cook for about 1.5 hours until the broth is sweet and fragrant. Season lightly with salt if desired.

Nourilo’s Tips

This soup is nourishing and well-rounded — suitable for the whole family from toddlers to elderly. For babies from around 18 months, simply offer a cup of the strained broth. If you want to add to the recipe, monkey head mushroom (hou tou gu) works well here, and yellow soybeans are a better addition than black beans if you want to avoid the soup turning a greyish colour. Chayote is neutral in nature and does not aggravate coughs or cold conditions, so it can be used even when a family member has a mild cough.