Soups
Yam, Goji, Baby Abalone and Carrot Soup
Traditionally nourishes the liver and supports clear vision
Why people make this soup
Bro Niu tells it like a little market story: passing a small supermarket, he saw a crowd of homemakers picking through carrots — five dollars a catty, a real bargain — so he grabbed a few. Cut one open and you’ll often see a deep yellow core, a sign it’s packed with the carotene (pro-vitamin A) that’s so good for the eyes. Remembering some Australian baby abalone he’d bought, he soaked a few and put together this eye-friendly soup. The combination is traditionally said to strengthen the spleen, boost qi, nourish the liver and brighten the eyes — a comforting choice for anyone whose vision feels tired, dry or strained.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- People with tired, dry or easily strained eyes, or a sense of declining vision
- Very mild and balanced — neither cooling nor heating — so the whole family can share it; if you have ongoing eye problems such as blocked tear ducts, please see a doctor
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Chinese yam (huai shan): traditionally strengthens the spleen and boosts qi
- Goji berries (gou qi zi): traditionally nourish the liver and kidneys and are associated with clearer, brighter eyes
- Baby abalone (bao yu): prized in food therapy for nourishing the liver and supporting vision; gives the soup its savory depth
- Carrot (hong luo bo): rich in carotene, a classic eye-supporting food, and naturally sweet
- Ginger (sheng jiang): balances the soup and warms it gently
Ingredients (about 4 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chinese yam (huai shan) | 1 liang (~38 g) | Rinse and soak |
| Goji berries (gou qi zi) | 4 qian (~15 g) | Rinse and soak |
| Baby abalone (bao yu zai) | 6 to 8 | Soak in warm water half a day, remove the gut |
| Fresh ginger | 3 slices | |
| Chicken breast | 1 piece | Blanch first |
| Carrot | 1 large | Sweet, deep-colored; cut into chunks |
Method
- Soak the baby abalone in warm water for about half a day, then remove the gut.
- Rinse and soak the yam and goji berries.
- Blanch the chicken breast in boiling water.
- Put everything into a pot with 10 bowls of water and simmer about 3 hours, down to roughly 4 bowls. Ready to serve.
Bro Niu’s tips
Besides nourishing the liver and supporting the eyes, this soup is also associated with a healthy complexion and anti-aging benefits. It’s tasty, neither cooling nor drying, so the whole family can enjoy it together.
Community questions answered (selected)
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Q (royalcanin): Is this soup cooling? My mother gets a scratchy, itchy throat and coughs when she drinks cooler soups. Does it need to be taken as a course? Bro Niu: This yam, goji, abalone and carrot soup is very mild — it suits any constitution and is not cooling at all. You can have it twice a week.
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Q (Rita Yuen): If I use fresh baby abalone, how much should I use? And is “golden bamboo shoot” carrot okay? Dried abalone and baby abalone are hard to find where I am. Bro Niu: Fresh baby abalone — about 3 liang is enough. “Golden bamboo shoot” is just another name for carrot; same vegetable, only the growing region differs, so the flavor varies a little.
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Q (一二mama / “yi-er mama”): Instead of chicken, can I use partridge or quail? Bro Niu: Of course — partridge or quail will work even better.
Published July 16, 2010 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 3 min read.
